|
Because Brayton Barff is an area well used by dog walkers, myself included, most of the day it is perhaps not the best spot around for ground nesting birds but other ground creatures seem immune to the presence of the canine community. Rabbits galore, brown hare, foxes and badgers are here if you know where to look as are stoats which are harder to locate but are often seen almost under your feet for a very fleeting moment. In 2006 a family of them were often seen at various times at the very top of the Barff from where you can overlook York.
A bird feeding station which is run by an individual helps keep the bird life around and although not famous for very rare species, the Barff does have a fair and entertaining selection. Tits include blue, great, willow and long tailed many of which nest in pretty obvious places as well as the nesting boxes available. There are also a good number of greater spotted woodpecker pairs and at least 1 pair of greens, song and mistle thrushes, fieldfare , redwing, blackbirds, chaffinch, linnet, blackcaps, fly catchers and tree creepers. Jays and rooks nest here along with what appears to be hundreds of wood pigeons. Not so popular species of Chiff Chaff are resident at least during spring summer and nightjars have been spotted on occasion although not by myself. In 2008 Brayton Barff also had a single Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.in spring.
 |
Raptors include kestrel and sparrow hawk as residents with the occasional buzzard and goshawk but this is a rare sighting indeed. I have only seen one once here in 27 years. At least 2 pair of tawny owls are regular (I’ve yet to find the roost!) and all being well barn owls can be seen around the outskirts of the woodland at twighlight . A fantastic sight and thanks is owed to the Sherwood family of Barff farm for their introduction of owl boxes to the area.
But we mustn’t forget the robins, probably Britain’s favourite bird, for we are graced with many here (or one that follows everybody, everywhere, always!). Their appearance, singing and community spirit are enough to lift anyone’s heart even on a cold wet morning..................
For anyone wishing to live in the area and have easy access to such a wonderful spot, there are currently (August 2008) some very desirable properties on the market, or about to be.
The Sherwood family mentioned above have converted the old barns at Barff farm into a number of three/four bedroom properties renovated to provide very comfortable accommodation situated around a landscaped courtyard. These superb homes are being handled by Carter Jonas and they can be seen HERE.
Additionally, and there are a number of locals hoping for a lottery win!, a developer has purchased the Old Waterworks and they are turning this into a single property of distinction and desirability. It comes, allegedly, with around 3 acres of wooded estate and actually adjoins the Brayton Barff itself. I can only add that the current snapshot(s) that the agents have used here certainly don’t do the property justice at all and it should be viewed on site to appreciate it. Again handled by Carter Jonas it can be seen online HERE. In April/May time, for example, The actual garden looks like this.............
|
Apart from the native and passing wildlife Brayton Barff is also a superb area visually all the year round, the highlights being anytime autumn but especially the bluebell display in late April through May. Some recent intruders do need cutting back or uprooting, particularly the Himalayan balsam. Certain workings regarding the pipelines to the (covered) reservoir on top of the Barff have also resulted in really heavy growth of brambles where there used to be trees. This area to the south east side has been a benefit to many nesting birds and insects as it is almost impenetrable to man or beast.
