Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

This is a polite reminder to all our members that our subscription rates have increased from 1st January. If you pay by standing order and have not yet done so, please amend your standing order to the new rate. More details can be found here. We are small charity reliant on the generosity of our supporters through membership subscriptions and donations. Why not become a member. For a minimum of £25 you can get all the benefits of being a member of the NOA. Just click the button on the right below. Or, if you would like to support us with a donation, it is very easy to do through our portal at VirginMoneyGiving. Just click the button on the right to go to our dedicated page. Thank you.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – NOA HIDES RE-OPENING FROM MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The NOA is opening hides on all reserves to members again from 14th September 2020. There are still some restrictions and please be aware that these are: Face coverings will be required in all NOA hides until further notice, unless you are exempt for wearing them. Only 2 people from different households may use any hide at one time. A single household of more than two people is permitted, provided no-one else is using it. We are still not able to admit visitors inside the Observatory centre at present. We regret the inconvenience to all our members and visitors caused by the loss of use of these facilities during the first five months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please be considerate of the restrictions we have put in place, allowing us to restore access as safely as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

GO WILD AT DROVE 2017


Barn Storming Day for Go Wild at Drove
 
Go Wild at Drove saw it’s second year hailed an even bigger success with loads to do and see at Drove Orchards. Volunteers from the Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association were on hand to ring visitors to the event, giving out details of birds caught at Drove over the last 7 years, and some of the amazing journeys they have made, together with goody bags which included freshly picked apples from the orchard. There were also moths, caterpillars, and a wide range of real wildlife objects from Drove all on display. The day included two wildlife walks, a tour of the orchard led by owner Andrew Jamieson, the inspection of two moths traps and a series of activities in the barn for kids and families.

A moth trap from the reedbed is emptied
 
A total of 36 species of birds, 43 species of moths, 11 species of butterfly and 5 species of dragonfly were recorded at Drove during the day, the highlight being a rare Tissue moth caught in the reedbeds on the north side of the estate. Good birds recorded on the day included a Great White Egret, Grasshopper Warbler and Crossbill.

Orchard owner Andrew Jamieson explains the different varieties on the orchard walk

The event was very well attended and we would like to thank everyone for coming to take part and find out more about the wonderful wildlife at Drove Orchards. We look forward to repeating the event next year!

Tissue moth caught at Drove on August 5th - photo by Guy Barker