Great Nut Hunt October 2009 - March 2010

This October saw the launch of the Great Nut Hunt by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and supported by Natural England. They are urging members of the public to help save the rare hazel dormouse by taking part in a nationwide survey of woodlands around the country.

The Great Nut Hunt requires the public to look out for gnawed nuts when they are in a woodland area. Hunting out the gnawed nuts will help to determine the distribution and numbers of the hazel dormouse which is becoming a rare woodland mammal. AS well as hunting out gnawed nuts, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species has hidden 21 specially-commissioned nuts, 20 in silver and a single gold one, across counties in England and Wales.

The Chief Executive of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Jill Nelson said,

“The best time to conduct the survey is over the autumn and winter when discarded nut shells are easiest to find on the woodland floor, before the leaf litter is too dense. The survey uses simple techniques requiring no specialised skills, making the Great Nut Hunt a fun activity for young and old ‘nutters’ alike as well as an ideal family expedition. With the help of the public, this year we hope to exceed the 250 000 nuts found in 1993!"

The Chief Executive of Natural England, Dr Helen Phillips said,

"Nut Hunts are a great way of monitoring dormice and this method has now been copied in other countries. The nuts you send in really do make a difference to dormouse conservation by helping us understand how well dormice are surviving and where they still occur so that steps can be taken to ensure their long term survival. What better excuse to get out and enjoy our fantastic woodlands and help save these rare mammals.”

So, if you go down to the woods, make sure to look out for signs of dormice and you may just find a gold nut!

To take part in the Great Nut Hunt 2009, which will run from October 2009 until March 2010, register online at the People's Trust For Endangered Species.

Participants will receive a survey pack which contains more information about the silver and gold nut prizes and clues as to their whereabouts, as well as more information about the hazel dormouse, a recording form, the Countryside Code and guides on how to identify hazel trees and nibbled nuts.

Some of the woods located near to Old Byland include:

Nettle Dale Wood
Reins Wood
Spring Wood
Deep Gill Wood
Greencliffe Hag Wood
Ashberry Wood

Why not treat yourself to stay at one of the Valley View Farm Cottages in Old Byland and combine with the Great Nut Hunt.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221.