12:10pm Thursday 18th March 2010
VISITORS will be able to get up close and personal with some unexpected creatures at Nunsmere Hall Hotel, in Oakmere.
Naturalists from Cheshire Mammal Group and Chester Zoo are to carry out a two-day mammal hunt ‘safari’ in the 100-acres of woodland on the May Bank Holiday weekend, May 2 and 3.
The private grounds and the 60-acre mere, are among the last unspoiled oases of the ancient Mersey Forest and experts believe the habitat will reveal a wide diversity of mammals.
During the two days it is hoped they will find signs of water voles, badgers, wood mice, field and bank voles, pygmy and water shrews, bats, foxes, stoats, weasels and possibly even polecats.
Mark Huntley, general manager at Nunsmere Hall, said: “Except for organised moth and fungi hunts, our grounds are relatively undisturbed so we are optimistic that our visitors will discover a wide range of mammals.”
Humane small mammal traps will be placed in the grounds at night and checked each morning and evening during the two days. Once the animals have been logged they will be released back into their natural environment.
Anyone interested in joining the Cheshire Mammal Group should contact Sarah Bird at Chester Zoo on 01244 380280.
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