There’s a lot going on at Woodlands!
Our guests come for the luxury lodges, the hot tubs, the spectacular views and the chance to escape into nature; however, as it turns out, they’re not the only ones enjoying the estate! We have a rather impressive collection of wild residents who were here long before us and who are very much in charge of the place.
From otters and owls to stags, squirrels, robins and one particularly mischievous cat called Walter, wildlife is everywhere you look!
We’re incredibly lucky to care for a landscape that provides such a wonderful home for wildlife and nurturing the land is a big part of life at Woodlands. The woodland, river and ancient trees create a haven for all sorts of creatures, while our luxury lodges have been carefully designed and positioned to make the most of their spectacular natural surroundings. This means our guests get a front-row seat to the great outdoors. You could be enjoying your morning coffee to the sound of birdsong, spotting wildlife from your lodge or relaxing in the hot tub while keeping one eye on the trees.
Meet Carolyn!
Meet Carolyn, our Hot Tub Supervisor, Gardener, Arborist and all-round estate expert. With five years at Woodlands and plenty of time spent out and about across the estate, Carolyn knows our wild neighbours better than most! So, who better to tell us about the wildlife that calls Woodlands home? We caught up with Carolyn to discover her favourite wildlife encounters, the creatures she’s become rather fond of and the ones she’s still hoping to spot.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Woodlands?
Carolyn: Hi! I’m Carolyn and I’ve worked at Woodlands for almost five years. My official title is Hot Tub Supervisor, but I have a very varied role across the estate, including gardening, arborist work and general estate work. Being out and about across the estate means I get to see plenty of wildlife, and I’m always keeping an eye (and an ear) out for what’s around me.
What is the most memorable or unusual creature you’ve spotted at Woodlands?
Carolyn: One encounter I won’t forget in a hurry is when we came across a False Widow spider in a drain! Not quite the cute and fluffy wildlife encounter you might expect, but certainly a memorable one!
Is there one particular wildlife encounter that has really stayed with you?
Carolyn: For me, it’s always the robins. Two winters ago, there was a robin that followed me from lodge to lodge. He was there every day and would sing away quite the thing as I worked. I always carry bird food with me and I’ve been nicknamed the Robin Whisperer of Woodlands!
Is there an animal that you seem to see a lot?
Carolyn: This has to be Walter the Cat! He lives in the village and can be seen regularly at Woodlands. He’s a bit of a rascal and has been known to find his way into guests’ cars and even the lodges! He likes to sit at reception and watch the world go by.
What’s your favourite time of day or season for spotting wildlife around the estate?
Carolyn: Autumn is a magical time on the estate, with all the foliage on the trees changing colour. Winter too. There’s nothing nicer than being in your hot tub, surrounded by snow-topped mountains.
What do you think makes Woodlands such a good home for wildlife?
Carolyn: The woodland across the estate is actually classed as a temperate rainforest. It’s quite a rare classification, which makes it all the more special. It’s the perfect habitat to support a rich variety of wildlife. It’s no wonder there are so many different species to see across the estate. Parts of the woodland on the estate are centuries old.
Is there a creature you’re still hoping to spot?
Carolyn: The red squirrels and the owls are quite elusive. I’d like to photograph more of them.
If the wildlife at Woodlands could talk, which animal do you think would have the most to say?
Carolyn: The birds always have lots to say. They chatter and sing all day.
What do you love most about being surrounded by wildlife at Woodlands?
Carolyn: The sounds. I love to hear all the different birds, the river, the trees. The estate really does have its very own natural soundtrack.
a huge thank you for taking part in this Q&A, Carolyn!
And we think that sums up the magic of Woodlands rather beautifully. Wildlife here isn’t something you have to go looking for. It’s part of everyday life. It’s in the birdsong outside your lodge, the sound of the river, the movement of the trees and the occasional unexpected appearance of a furry or feathered friend.
