Our work at Killerton

Why Killerton loves bats

Bats are a sign of a green and healthy environment so the bats love Killerton as much as the team love the bats. The volunteers’ efforts on bat monitoring across the estate tell us which bats live here, how they use the estate’s habitats and the health of their populations.

Killerton is home to three particularly exciting species for Devon: lesser horseshoe, greater horseshoe and barbastelle.

'Through the team’s monitoring we have so far recorded 11 of the UK’s 17 breeding bat species at Killerton, making the estate a hugely important site for bats in the South West’

- Sarah Butcher, Devon Bat Group

Dormice Monitoring Programme

There’s a healthy population of dormice at Killerton and the rangers are working hard to ensure that our furry neighbours can thrive. Like bats, dormice are a good indicator of a healthy woodland habitat.

There are 100 dormouse nest boxes across the estate, which help the team monitor the resident dormice.

Surveying the boxes

The boxes are surveyed once a month between April and October when the mice are active. We’re lucky to have some lovely hazel coppice stands around the estate, which are great places to look for evidence of dormice.

While surveying the boxes, rangers will check the dormice, weigh them, sex them and take photos before returning them to the box, all without waking them.

Improving dormice habitat

Dormice like to be high among the tree branches, rarely coming to the ground, so the team at Killerton ensure that there are connecting branches high up. This means the dormice can move around on their treetop canopies during their nocturnal activities.

The small rodents also prefer ancient woodland and hedgerows – loss of this habitat is partly the cause for their declining numbers. So, here at Killerton, we’re looking after the hedgerows and ancient woodland to protect their home.

We also make sure the woodlands and hedgerows all connect, so dormice populations don’t become isolated.

Coppicing

Killerton’s rangers use the traditional forestry technique of coppicing, which essentially means cutting back plants and letting them regrow. This cycle increases woodland biodiversity, because it allows more light to reach the woodland floor and other species to grow.

Many of these plants that grow are food sources for butterflies and other insects. These, in turn, provide food for birds, bats and mammals such as the dormouse.

Hedge-laying

The team at Killerton also use the traditional rural skill of hedge-laying to ensure the hedges are free from gaps, dense in structure and stock-proof. These then provide great food supplies and habitat for the dormice.

Restoring the Bear’s hut

The Bear’s hut in Killerton’s garden was originally built in 1808 as a summerhouse for Lady Lydia. While this historic hut has stood the test of time, it needs care and attention to keep it in great condition.

It was rethatched in early 2019 and then went through substantial conservation work throughout 2021.

Repairs to the interior

The original floor of the Bear's hut is made from sliced logs. Spring of 2023 saw considerable damage in this area but we're pleased to report that the floor has now been repaired.

Basket weave seat

In spring 2021, the high-backed seat inside the hut was repaired by a specialist weaver using willow. Any parts of the weave that were damaged have now been replaced, meaning it’s a comfy seat once again.

Three-pane window

The three-pane, clear glass window in the hut has also been repaired and refitted by Holy Well Glass, a specialist Wells-based company. The beautiful original glass now reflects like a mirror.

Coloured putty has helped blend the fitting into the surrounding wood, so it looks like it’s always been there.

Stained-glass window

The stained-glass window in the Bear’s hut was removed in early 2020 and replaced temporarily with clear glass. The glass was cleaned, repaired and refitted by Holy Well Glass.

Environmental protective glazing is also in place, allowing the glass to have an extra level of protection. This will keep the stained glass cleaner and protected from the elements.

Marker's Cottage

In the heart of Broadclyst Village, lies another example of conservation work inside Markers Cottage. This thatched house was built in about 1450, and the walls are made of cob. It is named after Sarah Marker, who lived there about 200 years ago. The internal space was subdivided into a hall and parlour by a plank-and-mutin screen which is now of historical significance. Markers Cottage is closed to the public and privately tenanted, but to allow visitors to still see the interior, the Killerton team commisioned a virtual tour.

Click here to see the 3D tour of the cottage.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.