It's Chrissssstmaaaaas, nearly

Here at Rufford we have been working on Christmas for quite a while now, whether it be weaving a willow hat for the snowman or making running repairs to the ever popular Christmas Trail.

A lot of work goes in to making sure things are to a high standard for the public to enjoy on their visits.This year we have re-located the tree to the Coach House courtyard and placed a lovely Victorian lamp in the inner courtyard, from mid afternoon as the light darkens it creates a magical atmosphere.

Also this year we are running a small ticket only event involving a Story teller, details on the photo below.

Autumn colour.

Not only are the leaves showing varying colour but the wildlife is too. Butterflies are still venturing out on sunny autumnal mornings, and dragonflies are making the most of the sun's rays by basking on every available warm surface.

Obviously we could not leave out a photo of the changing of lush green leaves to withering autumn colours. Below is an Oak tree making those such changes.

On a different scale of colour the Trailcam shot this image just after a Kingfisher had dived for it's lunch.

New beginnings and 5,000+ blog views

First off the blog has now received over 5,000 views so we are quite overwhelmed with that. It is nice to know there are people out there interested in the day to day running of a Country Park.

Secondly, we would like to welcome a couple of new team members, new team sketch to follow.

Thirdly, keeping on the theme of new beginnings a rare sighting of a Ladybird emerging from it's pupal state.

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On a sad note the Mulberry Tree dropped a branch (much to the delight of the local wood-turners group), so it got cleared up and is due to be trimmed back this Winter anyway.

Swan song

The seven cygnets are still growing every day and both parents are doing a brilliant job of showing them the right feeding grounds.

Small Tortoiseshell chrysalis

Recently we noticed a chrysalis and every now and again we photo it to see if it has changed.
Below is an image showing a colour change from a pale colour to the darker form of the Butterfly which is to emerge from it. 

In the next week this chrysalis will turn into a beautiful Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly.

Meadow madness

The Meadow is looking fantastic as usual...........and this year an Orchid even decided to make an appearance. Below are some pics of what you may see in the Meadow this year, including Bee, Devils Bit Scabious and Grasshoppers.

Photo friendly

Our job isn't all just about saving or photographing cute and cuddly creatures.................