PARK PROMISES OWLS OF DELIGHT FOR POTTER FANS
Harry Potter fans are being advised to wing their way to a Cumbrian holiday park next Summer - if they want the chance of a close encounter with one of the films' high-flying stars.
For according to Skelwith Caravan Park in Ambleside, 2008 will be the year of the owl… a bird enjoying new-found fame as one of Hogwarts best-known residents.
Next Summer should see a boom in owl numbers at the 130-acre park says owner Henry Wild, thanks to a sharp rise in its mouse population this year.
Park guests, said Henry, were fascinated this season with the number of mice to be seen scampering around the woodland, all because their natural predators - owls - had been grounded.
Owls, he explained, hate flying in the rain because their very soft feathers - which allow them to fly noiselessly at night - become wet and make flight difficult.
This year's soaking Summer, said Henry, meant that Skelwith's mice had a field day and used the absence of the owls to breed without their babies becoming breakfast for the birds.
But the tables will be turned next year, he predicted, when Skelwith's large population of Tawny owls - and occasional Barn owls - discover a plentiful supply of their favourite take-away meal.
"We will be starting a special owl-watch programme through next Spring onwards, and we are confident that there will be a sharp rise in the number of breeding pairs," said Henry.
"For anyone who enjoys watching these marvellous birds, Cumbria will be a great place to come and see them in action," he commented.
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park was recently described by botanist David Bellamy as "an exciting wildlife wonderland" when he presented it with his prestigious Gold Conservation Award.
The park, he said had taken a whole raft of environmental initiatives to protect and enhance the natural world - and especially its bird and animal population which includes kites, red squirrels and red deer.
Earlier this year, Skelwith Fold scooped another top accolade when in was announced as overall winner in the holiday park section of the 2007 Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.
"Summer on the park was a fantastic time for Beatrix Potter fans with tiny mice playing around, and looking for all the world like animations of her book illustrations," said Henry.
"But it's going to be the turn of the other Potter followers next year, and we're promising the park's holidaymakers a real hoot when they come," he added.
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More press information from Henry Wild on 01539 432277
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PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225