Latest news with #LittleOwl
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Kent's best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah
PEACEFUL countryside, a private beach and glam shepherd huts - you'll find it all at the now award-winning Elmley Nature Reserve. The campsite on the Advertisement 6 Elmley Nature Reserve is now award-winning and found on the Isle of Sheppey Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 The reserve looks like it could be in Africa Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve The site is so vast, set across 3,300 acres, that it felt less like Kent, and more like being in the middle of the African savannah. There are waterways and grasslands, but the real gem is the private beach. Called Cockleshell Beach, it's a small shell-covered beach at the eastern tip of the island. Advertisement Read More on UK Campsites During the summer months, you can go there and take a dip in the water. At other times of the year, it's used for migratory birds, and there's even a viewing screen for guests to watch and get a closer look. For anyone wanting to stop and stay, there are lots of choices including a large On-site are four shepherd huts called Little Owl and Samphire sleeping two while The Saltbox, The Damson and The Ferryman's sleep four. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The cabins are a great option for families as they sleep two adults and two children under the age of 10. These are called The Roost, Martha's Hut, James' Hide and The Isle. Other amenities include a wood burning stove and an outdoor bath. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard 6 There are lots of choice of accommodation - like cabins and shepherd huts Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 There's even a private beach Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Advertisement For anyone wanting to get even closer to nature, you can camp out in one of the four bell tents. Or for larger groups there's Elmley Cottage which sleeps 10, or the Kingshill Farmhouse for up to 12 guests. As for food and drink, there's no on-site restaurant, but there are provided hampers and delicious meals. During the summer, the reserve supplies wood-fired pizzas with a drink or your choice. Advertisement You can take it back to your accommodation, or enjoy it outside in the courtyard. There are breakfast hampers that will be delivered to your door, from bacon sandwiches to pastries and porridge. For anyone going exploring, you can pre-book picnics to take along with you. Or use the honest bar filled with snacks, drinks and complimentary tea and coffee. Advertisement 6 There are lots of food options too from breakfast hampers to woof-fired pizzas Credit: elmley nature reserve If you're not completely relaxed already, there is even a spa where you can get treatments from messages to hydrating facials. Other activities include a Land Rover safari, it's an off-road adventure to see the wider reserve and spot rare wildlife. There's also a two hour walking tour at dusk where a guide will give you the best chance of spotting the local owls. Advertisement You don't have to stay overnight, although, why wouldn't you? But you can book day tickets to the nature reserve too. For any And these are the top 20 most idyllic camping destinations in the country. 6 Elmley Nature Reserve looks less like Kent, and more like African savannah Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Advertisement
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Kent's best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah
Plus, more UK campsites that have flawless 10/10 reviews IN THE WILD Kent's best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah PEACEFUL countryside, a private beach and glam shepherd huts - you'll find it all at the now award-winning Elmley Nature Reserve. The campsite on the Isle of Sheppey has scooped up a Muddy Stilettos Award for Boutique Stay in Kent for 2025. Advertisement 6 Elmley Nature Reserve is now award-winning and found on the Isle of Sheppey Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 The reserve looks like it could be in Africa Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Elmley Nature Reserve is just an hour from London, found in North Kent on the Isle of Sheppey. The site is so vast, set across 3,300 acres, that it felt less like Kent, and more like being in the middle of the African savannah. There are waterways and grasslands, but the real gem is the private beach. Called Cockleshell Beach, it's a small shell-covered beach at the eastern tip of the island. Advertisement During the summer months, you can go there and take a dip in the water. At other times of the year, it's used for migratory birds, and there's even a viewing screen for guests to watch and get a closer look. For anyone wanting to stop and stay, there are lots of choices including a large campsite. On-site are four shepherd huts called Little Owl and Samphire sleeping two while The Saltbox, The Damson and The Ferryman's sleep four. Advertisement The cabins are a great option for families as they sleep two adults and two children under the age of 10. These are called The Roost, Martha's Hut, James' Hide and The Isle. Other amenities include a wood burning stove and an outdoor bath. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard 6 There are lots of choice of accommodation - like cabins and shepherd huts Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve 6 There's even a private beach Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve Advertisement For anyone wanting to get even closer to nature, you can camp out in one of the four bell tents. Or for larger groups there's Elmley Cottage which sleeps 10, or the Kingshill Farmhouse for up to 12 guests. As for food and drink, there's no on-site restaurant, but there are provided hampers and delicious meals. During the summer, the reserve supplies wood-fired pizzas with a drink or your choice. Advertisement You can take it back to your accommodation, or enjoy it outside in the courtyard. There are breakfast hampers that will be delivered to your door, from bacon sandwiches to pastries and porridge. For anyone going exploring, you can pre-book picnics to take along with you. Or use the honest bar filled with snacks, drinks and complimentary tea and coffee. Advertisement 6 There are lots of food options too from breakfast hampers to woof-fired pizzas Credit: elmley nature reserve If you're not completely relaxed already, there is even a spa where you can get treatments from messages to hydrating facials. Other activities include a Land Rover safari, it's an off-road adventure to see the wider reserve and spot rare wildlife. There's also a two hour walking tour at dusk where a guide will give you the best chance of spotting the local owls. Advertisement You don't have to stay overnight, although, why wouldn't you? But you can book day tickets to the nature reserve too. For any camping fans, here are the UK's best that have perfect reviews and honesty shops. And these are the top 20 most idyllic camping destinations in the country. 6 Elmley Nature Reserve looks less like Kent, and more like African savannah Credit: Elmley Nature Reserve
BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Rescued Little Owl being nursed back to health
A baby owl who was found under a tree is being nursed back to Little Owl was spotted by a member of the public and is now being cared for by Secret World in Sedgemoor-based charity - which has been running since 1995 - said the animal was alert, which was a good sign. After round-the-clock feeds, the charity said the bird was getting ready to fledge. Little Owls were first introduced into the UK in the 1800s, but the Woodland Trust said populations had dropped 18% since 1995. The trust said the reason for this decline was unclear, but it was believed to be linked to intensive farming methods. Secret World said it usually rescued a couple of Little Owls each year, and was currently looking after two of the of the latest arrival, Emma Ormiston from the charity said he would be put into a series of aviaries. "They're kept in a large aviary to start with, the land owner keeps an eye on them, gives them some food. "When they're 100% ready, we let them go," she added.
Leader Live
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Five star performers for trainer Peter Easterby
Alverton A typical Easterby type in that he was precocious enough to be good on the Flat, finishing second in the 1976 Ebor, and hardy enough to be even better over jumps. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 1978, he successfully stepped up in distance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following year. It was close between him and Tied Cottage at the final fence where the Irish horse fell, leaving Alverton to coast home in the snow and mud. He started favourite for the Grand National in the same year and was going easily when suffering a fatal fall Becher's Brook on the second circuit. Goldhill Easterby may be better known for training stayers and jumpers, but it was the sprinter Goldhill that first put him on the map. After winning the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1963, Goldhill would have gone there for the King's Stand Stakes in 1964 but the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging. However, he put the record straight when taking the five-furlong feature in 1965. Coincidentally, Goldhill retired to stud and became a successful stallion, most notably siring dual Champion Hurdle winner Comedy Of Errors. Little Owl Little Owl led home a one-two for Easterby in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1981 when denying his stablemate Night Nurse. The trainer picked up Little Owl for 2,300 guineas and the sky appeared to be the limit when he captured the big prize at the tender age of seven on only his fifth start over fences. It was not to be, though, as he was badly hit by a virus and was never anywhere near his best form again. Night Nurse A good Flat career was expected from this son of Falcon, but though he won a Ripon maiden at the age of three, it was over jumps that he made his name, winning 32 of his 64 races over obstacles. He was 'all heart', according to Easterby, and was one of the star turns in a golden era. He won the Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1977 and in the latter year dead-heated with Monksfield, giving him 6lb, at Aintree. He also gave his all over fences and recovered from a bad injury to go down by only a length and a half to Little Owl in the Gold Cup in 1981. Sea Pigeon Sea Pigeon had been a good horse on the Flat for Jeremy Tree and over hurdles when with Gordon Richards, but became a great one under Easterby's guidance from early 1977. His exploits under both codes are legendary and it was his burst of speed that stood him out from the rest. A dual Chester Cup hero and memorable winner of the Ebor, it was his four consecutive appearances in the Champion Hurdle that are perhaps most fondly remembered. Second in 1978 and 1979, he finally lifted the prize in 1980 and repeated the trick the following year at the age of 11 under a vintage John Francome ride.
South Wales Guardian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Five star performers for trainer Peter Easterby
Alverton A typical Easterby type in that he was precocious enough to be good on the Flat, finishing second in the 1976 Ebor, and hardy enough to be even better over jumps. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 1978, he successfully stepped up in distance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following year. It was close between him and Tied Cottage at the final fence where the Irish horse fell, leaving Alverton to coast home in the snow and mud. He started favourite for the Grand National in the same year and was going easily when suffering a fatal fall Becher's Brook on the second circuit. Goldhill Easterby may be better known for training stayers and jumpers, but it was the sprinter Goldhill that first put him on the map. After winning the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1963, Goldhill would have gone there for the King's Stand Stakes in 1964 but the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging. However, he put the record straight when taking the five-furlong feature in 1965. Coincidentally, Goldhill retired to stud and became a successful stallion, most notably siring dual Champion Hurdle winner Comedy Of Errors. Little Owl Little Owl led home a one-two for Easterby in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1981 when denying his stablemate Night Nurse. The trainer picked up Little Owl for 2,300 guineas and the sky appeared to be the limit when he captured the big prize at the tender age of seven on only his fifth start over fences. It was not to be, though, as he was badly hit by a virus and was never anywhere near his best form again. Night Nurse A good Flat career was expected from this son of Falcon, but though he won a Ripon maiden at the age of three, it was over jumps that he made his name, winning 32 of his 64 races over obstacles. He was 'all heart', according to Easterby, and was one of the star turns in a golden era. He won the Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1977 and in the latter year dead-heated with Monksfield, giving him 6lb, at Aintree. He also gave his all over fences and recovered from a bad injury to go down by only a length and a half to Little Owl in the Gold Cup in 1981. Sea Pigeon Sea Pigeon had been a good horse on the Flat for Jeremy Tree and over hurdles when with Gordon Richards, but became a great one under Easterby's guidance from early 1977. His exploits under both codes are legendary and it was his burst of speed that stood him out from the rest. A dual Chester Cup hero and memorable winner of the Ebor, it was his four consecutive appearances in the Champion Hurdle that are perhaps most fondly remembered. Second in 1978 and 1979, he finally lifted the prize in 1980 and repeated the trick the following year at the age of 11 under a vintage John Francome ride.
