HORSEMOOR HIDE & WILDLIFE PROJECT

Horsemoor Hide was designed in 2001 as an indoor focal point where visitors could witness, LIVE, the secret lives of some of Heligan’s wildlife, via a network of miniature cameras wired up to a series of large viewing screens.  These miniature cameras were initially fitted inside a number of bird, owl and bat boxes, which were sited within the adjacent woodland.

With the benefit of several years’ mixture of disappointment and success, the Hide offers exclusive and innovatively produced experiences for the visitor of an ever-expanding range of wildlife that lives on the Heligan estate. These experiences are designed to be interactive without causing any disturbance to the wild creatures being observed. Whatever time of year you choose to come to Heligan, visitor-controlled cameras offering close-up views of seasonal wildlife activity and a selection of edited images from activities recorded here previously are both available.

Horsemoor Hide is located a short distance beyond the Northern Gardens and is accessible to all. A ramp leads into a dual purpose building, which gives views from open shutters and from large, one-way glass windows onto a bird feeding area, a wildlife pond, a meadow and a small woodland, all specifically managed to attract a variety of species. From inside the Hide, visitors can combine traditional, concealed observation of “outdoor” wildlife activity with watching live “indoor” images on screen of the same, being conveyed from within their nesting/ roosting boxes.
Five cameras are positioned around our barn owl box, conveying pictures of these stunning birds in season and enabling visitors to witness the whole life cycle as it unfolds over the year, from courtship to fledging the brood.

Our touch screen displays have been designed for people of all ages. They enable individuals to decide how much detailed knowledge they wish to pursue. Interpretive displays include audio and video recordings, giving visitors a multi-sensory experience. Visitors have complete control over pan, tilt and zoom cameras and our push button displays, and can discover how it all works from our ‘behind the scenes’ display.

Outside the Hide there is a seating area newly planted with native trees and shrubs and a small wildlife garden attracting bees and butterflies. Nest boxes attract birds to the Hide itself, so stopping for a rest outside will guarantee a relaxing moment with wildlife entertainment.
Look out for kingfishers, bramblings, flocks of long-tailed tits, fieldfares and redwings in the winter and pipits, swallows, yellowhammers and linnets if you visit during the summer months. The habitats on the estate are varied and attract a wide variety of passing wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re at Heligan.

Visit the website
www.heliganwild.com