There's a buzz in the parkland...

There are some real Vespas in Tatton Park. However, these ones are Vespa crabro, more commonly known as the European hornet.

While out looking for wasps’ nests the Ranger team came across an Oak tree in Boat House Wood that the hornets are visiting. The very large hornets are less aggressive than wasps and can be seen taking tree sap and wasps, as well as other insects.

Hornet in the parkland ©Tatton Park

The tree in question is now littered at its base by many pieces of broken insects caught and eaten by these hunters. The hornets are yellow and red/brown in colour, around 25-30mm long and have a very loud wing drone.

There are no other known species of hornet nesting in Britain. This is the first time the team have seen hornets in Tatton – they are not often known to come so far North West. You could say they have caused quite a buzz!

Find out more about the wildlife and activities in the Parkland at Tatton Park.

Simon Jones, Tatton Park Ranger

Summer ‘Boredom Busters’ in Tatton’s Parkland

This summer’s Boredom Busters took place on Tuesday 16th and Tuesday 23rd August. These annual events are fantastic opportunities for children and their parents/guardians to explore the rich habitat of Tatton’s parkland, under the expert guidance of the ranger team.

Each session started with a tractor and trailer ride through the parkland to see the Red and Fallow deer herds at close quarters. July is prime calving time; nearly two hundred are born each summer in the park and we were lucky enough to see a number of newborn calves (Red deer young) and Fawns (Fallow young).

Following the parkland ride, the rangers led the group on a minibeast hunt in ‘Millennium Wood’ – a young plantation of purely native species. Clem West, Tatton Park Ranger commented “this mixed environment hosts all sorts of creepy crawlies: Centipedes, Beetles, Frogs and Toads and the rangers were on hand to help the many budding David Bellamys to identify them!”



Pond dipping  © George Littler



Next was pond dipping: netting and identifying all kinds of pondlife, including: Dragonfly Nymphs, Pond Skaters, Water Boatmen and Whirligig beetles. Prime pond-dipping prize for many children are leeches – last year’s champion Boredom Busters’ find was a leech over 8 inches long at full stretch!

There were plenty of other opportunities to enjoy the parkland wildlife during this session. This time of year brings a rich diversity of birdlife and fledglings. Each ranger has their own speciality interest: birds, fungi, trees, butterflies and much more, and they relish sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with participants.

It is great to have the opportunity to share our love of the parkland with visitors, especially with a younger audience.

Don't forget - children can also have a great time following the Parkland Explorer trail at Tatton Park.
Clemency West, Tatton Park Ranger