Red Deer Village’s Fantastic Wildlife!

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

Red Deer Village, Stepps, has a host of habitats and wildlife, with many rare birds spotted in the local area, plus many other animals and insects!

For the keen nature watcher in many of us, there have been some fantastic sightings of rare birds in Stepps and the Seven Lochs area, and a few furry friends closer to home! Stepps, Glasgow, is a haven for wildlife, featuring both Frankfield Loch and Hogganfield Loch, as well as Cardowan Moss. Red Deer Village, exclusive over 50s retirement community, is proud to boast that 8 acres of the park is part of Cardowan Moss Nature Reserve!

Below is a range of animals spotted in the local area, and more about the fantastic habitats at Red Deer!

Rare Bird Sightings

Frankfield Loch is a mere 5 minute walk away from Red Deer Village, and attracts many rare bird watchers. This year, a blue-winged teal has been spotted and caught on camera! Furthermore, an egret has been sighted, as well as a pink-footed goose at nearby Hogganfield Loch! An egret and a spoonbill have also been seen at RSPB Baron’s Haugh.  Check out the pictures below.

Seven Loch's Fantastic Wildlife

An adult male Blue-Winged Teal at Frankfield Loch caught on camera by Davie Abraham on 28 July 2019, courtesy of Rare Bird Alert.

Seven Loch's Fantastic Wildlife

Adult Spoonbill at RSPB Baron’s Haugh captured on camera by Andrew Russell on 27 June 2019, courtesy of Rare Bird Alert. 

Seven Loch's Fantastic Wildlife Seven Loch's Fantastic Wildlife

 

 

 

 

Egrets have been spotted at both Frankfield Loch and RSPB Baron’s Haugh and Pink-Footed Goose at Hogganfield Loch. Thank you to Jim Campbell and Andrew Russell for photos, courtesy of Seven Lochs Facebook page.

Wildlife Nearby

Thomas Noonan, one of our residents, caught a great picture of a hedgehog on the park. Additionally, deer have been spotted in Caradowan Moss, and a fox has even been seen at Red Deer Village. Furthermore, frogs, birds and ducks have been found as well!

If you manage to spot any animals or insects in the local area please let us know – we’d love to see a photo!

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

 

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

Honey Bees

Since Red Deer Village became a bee friendly park, our gardeners have planted many flowers in various areas of the park to protect and encourage endangered native bees. We’re delighted that these planting efforts are beginning to pay off! Many bees have been spotted pollinating plants around the park this summer, including buddleia, cat mint, cotoneaster and British native wildflowers.

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife Red Deer Village's Fantastic Wildlife

Habitats

Our ponds, wildflowers, trees and hedgerows make Red Deer Village a fantastically biodiverse park. Furthermore, a large area of the park is part of Cardowan Moss nature reserve, making even more habitat available to our favourite animals!

Red Deer Village has a raised peat bog, which is extremely beneficial to the local ecosystem. They can help to prevent flooding and store carbon. And they provide a natural habitat for insects and small animals to thrive! Plus, experts claim that only 11% of this habitat remain in its natural state in Scotland. This is unfortunately a result of extraction for agriculture and forest planting. So for Red Deer Village to have one is very fortunate!

Gold Conservation Award

Red Deer Village holds conservation at the heart of everything we do. In our bid to be eco warriors, we have achieved the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for several years in a row. Furthermore, we have received special recognition for our hedgerows and wildflowers. Additionally, both David Bellamy and his son Rufus have been out to the park on different occasions, which is a huge honour!

Do Your Bit for Wildlife and the Environment

We’d love everyone to help do their bit for the environment. Whether it’s planting bee friendly flowers or putting bird boxes in your garden, every little bit helps. So if you’d like any ideas, please contact us!