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. The artificial badger sett attracted its first badger (amongst other small mammals!) in April 2005, and visitors can select which of several infrared cameras send images of underground activities live to a large viewing screen.
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 that includes the ‘snoring’ noises made by the barn owls and the unforgettable sounds made by pipistrelle bats. 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.
Information is also available in more traditional displays and leaflets, and help is on hand from members of our Wildlife Team. Brief presentations are delivered regularly in the Hide as required, and an RSPB representative is based here to help identify birds seen feeding around the Hide and to offer advice on making your own garden more wildlife friendly. 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.
Guided Tours, Bat Evenings and Barn Owl Evenings are held in the main season – please see the Events listed on this website or telephone 01726 845100 for more information and booking details. Numbers are limited for these events.
For further information please follow this link to the eco-watch website.
Visit the Eco-watch website
www.eco-watch.com
