In my previous blog, I shared some of the species of orchid you can find in Kent from April to June. Here is part two of my orchid blog, looking at some of the orchid species you can find in Kent in Summer. Common Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii – June to July These orchids have…
I love an orchid I do. Growing up, mum always had orchids growing in pots about the place, with their roots all spilling out over the sides. She bought me one last year and it really does make me smile every day! My Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.), the ones that we see lining our supermarket…
Earlier this week we celebrated World Wetlands Day. Marshes, swamps, floodplains, mangroves, shallow lakes and of course, we can’t forget bogs, are just some examples of wetland habitats. These places might not have the dramatic appeal of mountains or rainforests, but they are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They filter water, store carbon,…
I imagine most people think of Christmas Day as being filled with sleeping in, opening presents and settling down to a big family meal. As head of section on the bird team, when I picture Christmas, it’s probably not the traditional activities that fill my mind first, but of the animals in our care here at…
This week we’ve been celebrating Animal Enrichment Day! Caring for animals goes far beyond simply feeding, cleaning and housing them. Here at Wingham Wildlife Park, we’re big on enrichment and make sure our enclosures are as stimulating as we can. If you’ve not heard of enrichment before, this is a broad term for ways in…
When I was younger, I was quite into Jurassic Park and dinosaurs! Maybe that is where some of my bird enthusiasm comes from, as after all, we now know that birds are descended from dinosaurs! No other group of birds here at the park remind me of this more than our group of rheas! This…
For World Parrot Day this year I would love to talk about our charismatic group of Galah Cockatoos (Eolophus rosicapilla). With their striking pink and grey plumage and playful antics, the galah is one of Australia’s most iconic and widespread parrots, and one of my favourite species to work with here at Wingham Wildlife Park….
Earlier this week we celebrated International Bat Appreciation Day! Celebrated on April 17th each year, it is the perfect opportunity for me to talk about bats! Now as head of the bird section here at Wingham Wildlife Park, I know that this is a bit different from the usual subject of my blogs. But I…
Earlier this week we celebrated World Wildlife Day! The IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List categorizes species based on their risk of extinction, and help prioritize conservation efforts and highlight species that need immediate attention to prevent extinction. As a bird keeper here at Wingham Wildlife Park, I’d love to take…
With all the miserable weather we’ve been having (and a lack of vitamin D for me!) it’s the time of year where it’s easy to get some post-holiday blues. Blue Monday is a day to reflect on how we are feeling, to encourage self-care and raise awareness of mental health. Since my early twenties I…
