Member Article

Sutton Hall Resort’s 100 birds and wildlife challenge

Sutton Hall Resort, near Thirsk has revealed a major study of birds and wildlife in the grounds of the Hall that lists almost 100 different species in and around the Hall’s grounds and woodland.

Now, the private owners club has issued a challenge to its owners and visitors to see how many they can spot when staying at the Hall. A ‘leader board’ is to be created and guests with the highest scores will receive rewards for their ‘spotting’ efforts.

Manager of Sutton Hall Resort, Linda Barnard said: “We recently opened our gardens to the general public in the first of a series of open days when we were reminded by one of our guests of a list of 96 species previously compiled some years ago. This led to the idea that we should update the list and create a challenge for owners and guests.”

Local residents and visitors to the area are also to be encouraged to ‘wildlife watch’ in the grounds of the Hall and its historic ‘lost’ Japanese-style garden, heather and rock gardens, its valley gardens and a woodland walk where the birds and wildlife can be seen. Species on the list include birds such as Mallard, Sparrow Hawk, Curlew, Garden Warbler, plus mammals Wood Mouse, Stoat, Grey Squirrel and a rare Yellow Necked Mouse.

“Hopefully we will be able to confirm the existing list of birds ad wildlife and add more to take the list past the 100 mark.” added Linda.

Sutton Hall Resort is an 18th century manor house, originally built in 1700 when Francis Smyth owned it. It was passed to his daughter Mary Smyth when she married Thomas Thrust who was a commander in Nelson’s Navy. James Harry Edwards who became the owner in 1901 created the re-discovered garden, designed in a Japanese style. The next opening of the gardens will be on Saturday 10th September 2016.

For further information please contact: Linda Barnard, Sutton Hall Resort, Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2PS. Tel: 01845 597 200 Email: info@suttonhallresort.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Gallery .