Berrington has some residents that make it a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’

Grey heron

Berrington's Heronry has been claimed a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest'. This makes our conservation efforts at this special place even more pressing, as well as looking to preserve the quality of life for these residents at Berrington.

Here at Berrington we have been designated an SSSI for our Heronry on the Berrington Pool. The pool itself is the largest Heronry in the West Midlands and a site of National Importance.

Of course this means that these residents at Berrington need their habitat conserved and cared for. This part of life at Berrington is left in the capable and knowledgeable hands of our rangers.

A young heron waits for its mother by the lake
a young heron by the lake
A young heron waits for its mother by the lake

The rangers protect the heronry during their mating season by closing off the section of the walk near to the heronry to the public. Pete Johnson, previous Head Ranger, reminds us of how important it is to do this when explaining why the walk is closed in stating, ‘The herons are all busy, busy, creating their enormous ramshackle nests as I type, so crossed fingers for fortuitous fecundity of our favourite feathery fledglings.’

" The herons are all busy, busy, creating their enormous ramshackle nests as I type, so crossed fingers for fortuitous fecundity of our favourite feathery fledglings."
- Pete Johnson, Head Ranger

This is essential and means that for the rest of the year visitors can enjoy seeing the herons as they soar over Berrington’s landscape. During the Summer, sightings of the herons can even be enjoyed from on the lake. This is because we have our annual ‘Boating on the lake’.

Our resident herons are always ready for the limelight
A close up shot of a heron hiding in the bushes
Our resident herons are always ready for the limelight

The conservation of this special place can only be done with the help of our volunteers and the careful planning from the rangers. The heronry needs protecting in order to ensure that these residents at Berrington feel safe and welcomed here.

As you clear your head striding through Berrington’s parkland, or even while you enjoy a treat from the tea-room, you are enabling the protection of the heronry to happen. Every penny spent goes towards the conservation of Berrington Hall and its wildlife.  With this we can ensure that these guests stay and feel safe so that they can be enjoyed at Berrington for years to come.