Wildlife and Habitat

Trees

Holm Oak – The Holm Oak is not a native species to the UK. Normally found in Italy on the higher slopes, growing with olives this variety of Oak is also salt spray resistant. It is thought that the abundance of Holm Oak on the estate is due to the fact that branches of the trees were used as primitive bubble wrap inside crates containing marble statues and other treasures brought back by Thomas Coke on his Grand Tour of Europe. After the treasures were removed from their packing the packing material would have been sent for burning. It is totally plausible that seeds from the cut branches would have fallen out and taken root. Once settled the Holm Oak spread around the estate and has been encouraged to colonise the local area.

Game

The brickyard is an area used to encourage the breeding of several species of wild game birds. The main game birds are Pheasant and Partridge but there is also widgeon, teal, and woodcock. The site is managed by Holkham Gamekeepers who control the finely balance ecosystem with modern sustainable practice. The gamekeepers are all very qualified for their coveted positions as “wardens of the countryside.”

There are legal traps used to reduce the number of predators like foxes and stoats. The populations of most species are carefully regulated to ensure the birds have an ideal environment to multiply. If you come across any of these traps then please leave them well alone. If you are in any doubt please come and find one of us to help.

Deer

There are 4 types of deer found in this part of North Norfolk. All of them use the brickyard as part of a larger highway to get from one area to another. Linking up between the patchwork of fields, hedges and wooded areas provide cover for deer passing through their territory. On the way the deer may stop to take advantage of edible vegetation in season, but their main feeding and breeding grounds are in even more secluded places that the brickyard.

4 types of deer at the brickyard.

Red deer
Fallow Deer
Roe Deer
Muntjack Deer

Wild Birds and Song Birds

We are blessed with a large variety of birds here at the brickyard. There is an active ringing and population study being carried out here. The following birds have been seen regularly:

Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Brambling, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Yellowhammer, Magpie, crow, Thrush, Starling, Ring Ouzel, Pied Wagtail

Birds of prey

Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Barn Owl, Kestrel, Buzzard.