Restoration of Animal Species - Escot - The natural place for a great day out in Devon

Restoration of Animal Species

Water Voles

Water Voles had been driven from the area through the activities on non-indigenous mink.  Now a carefully managed reinstatement programme has been particularly successful. This is due in part to the provision of mink rafts which carry humane traps.  Once mink had been eradicated, a controlled programme of water vole reintroduction has been undertaken.  The River Tale is now home to the only known breeding water vole colony in Devon.

Beavers

Click here to see beavers page

Red Squirrels

The red squirrel is native to Britain, but its future is increasingly uncertain as the introduced American grey squirrel expands its range across the mainland. There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5 million greys. Escot Red Squirrels are housed in a purpose built enclosure safe from the attack from greys and they are flourishing.

Wild Boar

Wild boar would once have roamed freely over the Escot estate but they became extinct in the UK in the 17th century.  Escot's wild boar live free to roam in their woodland environment in Jurassic Pork.  They are not bred for meat and are culled only as their welfare and control of the herd size dictate.

Dormice

Dormice spend up to three quarters of their life asleep. In Britain they are protected by law and may not be killed, injured, disturbed in their nests, collected, trapped or sold except under licence. A loss of suitable habitat in Britain has led to a steep decline in their numbers. Dormouse trails have been established on a farm at Yellingham and at Escot, and 98 boxes are now in place. Students have been studying dormouse ecology and thereby the whole ecology of the Tale Valley because dormice are such a good indicator species of indigenous biodiversity.

Adopting an Animal at Escot

Animal adoption is a great way to form a special link with your favourite Escot species. It can also make an ideal present, just the thing to mark a birthday, Christmas or Mother's Day etc. 

You can choose to adopt the red squirrels, the beavers or the otters. Your adoption applies to the species, not a particular animal. We undertake to spend your adoption fee on the welfare of the animals, on their food, their shelter and any veterinary care they may need.