Skylarks at Deerleap
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4157
Skylarks are once again nesting on the Deerleap field on the Mendip Hills. Please, please follow the signs to protect the birds.
This year there was a special treat.
In our spaces managed for wildlife, our nature reserves, protected sites and land farmed more sensitively for nature, our skylark’s biggest threat is through disturbance, either by dogs or people. To help highlight the plight of the skylark and to help people understand that these spaces are home to such rare and beautiful creatures, the Mendip Hills AONB Service has commissioned BLAGSAEY Arts CIC to create several willow and paper skylarks to install at one of our iconic skylark sites, Deer Leap reserve.
These lovely sculptures are out on site, nestled in the grass or flying through the air, and we hope they will remind people to watch out for these iconic birds, and that at this time of year it is essential to keep dogs on leads, so that ground nesting birds such as the skylark can bred successfully and begin to recover their numbers.
– Mendip Hills AONB Service
It took me a while to notice the skylark flying through the pussy willow tree near the car park. Sadly, a couple of days later I could not find it. Hopefully, it is safe somewhere.
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4078
Skylarks singing high the sky on a sunny spring day must be one of the most iconic sounds of the British countryside.
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_4143
Do not miss the signs.
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3801
I am not sure the sheep have read the signs as I saw several in the protected area. These were on the correct side of the rope, but the skylark in the foreground should be back in the safe zone.
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3814
And finally…
A skylark appeared a few yards away as I strolled back to the car park. I was so lucky to grab a picture. Without a telephoto this is as good as it gets – lots of cropping!
Skylarks at Deerleap – Mendip Hills, Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3865
Update
A few days later I thought a skylark popped up (a long way away) in front of me, turned out to be a Meadow Pipit.
Meadow Pipit – Deerlerap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5312
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