Wildlife
Learn amazing wildlife facts…
Stand quietly and look closer – you might be surprised by what you can see
Surrounded by open coastal countryside, and just 400m from Filey Dams wetland nature reserve, we have done much to encourage and increase the area’s diversity by creating specific wildlife habitats dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife. These include a small native woodland, large wildlife pond, wildflower areas, and sections left uncultivated for plants like nettles and brambles. Additional features include nest boxes for birds, bats, and hedgehogs, as well as log piles and a mini-beast mansion. Each area is enhanced by our unique, educational interpretation boards, which include many remarkable facts to amaze people of all ages. Since the creation of the zoo from grazing land in 2004 we have recorded a huge increase in the variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, invertebrates and plants.
Wildlife Pond
This large pond is home to a variety of wildlife from moorhens and newts to invertebrates such as great diving beetles, water scorpions, and water stick insects. With the help of our interpretation boards, learn about a frog’s life cycle and see how many other amazing creatures you can identify.
In spring and early summer look out for chicks, ducklings and frogspawn. As the weather warms up see if you can spot newts swimming to the surface, and watch dragonflies and swallows swooping over the water. One of the best places to view the pond’s wildlife is from the decked seating area in the Secret Garden.
Woodland
Our small patch of woodland was planted in early 2005 with many native trees, shrubs and bulbs. This secluded corner of the park has been lightly managed and allowed to establish naturally for 20 years. It has now grown and matured to create a habitat for many native species which you can discover in this peaceful shady place.
Watch this space! We are sensitively adding some new animal enclosures between the gaps in the trees and improving access with a new path. The woodland floor will then be further planted with appropriate shade loving species adding to the diversity and beauty of this area.
Wildflowers
Next to the Wildlife Pond we’ve created a stunning seasonal wildflower zone to attract and feed bees, butterflies and other insects. This small meadow has been seeded with a mix of annual wildflowers alongside various native perennials including beautiful Common spotted and Pyramid Orchids which have also become established.
Learn more about meadows and the wildlife they support and see how many butterflies you can identify with the help of our interpretation boards.
