Owl Calls

Welcome to the Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park

Our Conservation and Wildlife Park, located in scenic Peak District National Park of Derbyshire, is set in 50 acres of landscaped grounds and is home, not only to a unique collection of birds and animals, but to many wild birds and mammals.

As you walk about the Wildlife Park you'll see some of Europe's largest gathering of otters, 16 species of owls and other indigenous wildlife all in their natural surroundings including, buzzards, pine martens, polecats, foxes, Scottish wildcats and deer.

Our Giant Otters Manoki (male) and Panambi (female) with their two teenage boy cubs Akuri and Simnui are a delight to all who see them.
We also have two additional cubs - one boy and one girl born in March 2011. Indigenous to South America they cope well with our climate even swimming in their large natural pool in the Derbyshire snow.
Giant otters are an endangered species. Native to South America and are very rare in captivity.

Just like the 35,000 visitors we receive a year to the Chestnut Centre, we know you'll enjoy your visit - and that you'll want to return time and time again!

To compliment your visit enjoy a relaxing hot / cold drink or light refreshment in our coffee shop. Open from 10.30am to 5.30pm, and open to non-park visitors.

We do not do talks at the Chestnut Centre, but keepers are always on hand for a chat and the share their wealth of knowledge.

Choose from a wide selection of exciting wildlife themed gifts and souvenirs in our Giftshop.

As you follow the woodland trails you will see the great abundance of both wildlife and flora indigenous to this area of great beauty. When you re-visit you'll be able to enjoy the scenery of the changing seasons.

Look out for wild birds like treecreepers, bluetits, robins, crows and pheasants, and mammals like bank vole, squirrel and wood mouse - to name but a few.

Education - We offer activities for schools where children can learn about wildlife and the environment.

About us

The Chestnut Conservation Centre, Otter and Owl and Wildlife Park was founded in 1984 by the Heap family who also own and operate New Forest Wildlife Park in Marchwood, Hampshire and the World famous Battersea Park Children's Zoo in London.

Our Wildlife Park is unique in the UK because it has Europe's largest groups of multi-specied otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife.

Otters and owls were first of interest to our family when we had Asian short-clawed otters in our garden which, fortunately, had a running stream. Otters Kizzie and Ferdie proved to be the start of a life-long passion for otters and completely changed the direction of our lives.

Although our emphasis is on otters and owls which together form the bulk of our collection, you can see a wide variety of animals including pine martens, polecats, red foxes, Scottish wildcats and deer.

A great deal of our work also involves the conservation and the caring for orphaned otters including the rehabilitation of the Eurasian Otter.

We also provide full care facilities for injured or orphaned wild animals especially otters, most of whom are eventually returned to the wild.

Have you visited our other Centres?

New Forest Wildlife Park Marchwood, Hampshire
Battersea Park Children's Zoo, Battersea Park, London

Conservation

We endeavour to promote a wider understanding of our natural environment and the fauna and flora which share it.

As keen conservationists for over 30 years the Heap family are concerned in particular with the status of the otter both here in the UK and beyond.

Captive Breeding Programme

We have an on going breeding programme for many endangered indigenous species and we liaise closely with the relevant bodies associated with the particular species.

Rehabilitation

We are also continually involved with the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife which comes to us from local veterinary practices, the RSPCA, local wildlife trusts and members of the public.

Most of these birds and animals are, after care treatment and convalescence, returned to the wild. Those unable to do so, but have a quality of life, remain with us as ambassadors of their species.

The Giant Otter

Find out more about the valuable conservation work being done by Diane McTurk who started the Karanambu Lodge in Guyana in 1983.

Adopt an Animal!

... and become a real part of our Conservation Programme!

A large number of visitors wishing to do more to help us with our ongoing conservation programme have elected to join our adoption scheme for many of our animals.

Education

We place a great emphasis on Education to both school and the general public visiting the Park.

We offer many activities to schools which is relevant to their Key Stage work and is based on learning whilst having fun!

Teachers have the opportunity to visit the Park prior to an educational visit and will receive a full pack when they make a booking.

The day of the visit is tailored to group requirements and can include wildlife behaviour, how we help our environment, nature trails and lots of other subjects.

The itinerary is packed full of activities when children can take part in discussion and ask questions.

The group will have the use of a study room equipped with materials for project work and a Guide will look after you during the course of your visit.

To apply for details Click Here and make your request today!
Educational activities costs £6.00 per child, with one supervising adult free with every 5 children. Extra adults are charged at £7.50. Teachers/Group Leaders are welcome to a free pre-visit.

We pride ourselves on our Education programme.

Relevant to any Key Stage and project being studied it can be adapted and differentiated to suit all abilities.

Teachers are welcome to visit the Park prior to the school visit.

We provide two study rooms for the children during their visit .

Teachers and pupils leave after a whole day out, full of information and very tired, having spent most of the day outside.

Many return with their parents to be at such close proximity to the animals once again.

Visiting Groups

We offer a fully guided tour and we will structure your day to meet the specific requirements of your group.

Whilst our talks and tours relate to aspects of the National Curriculum we aim to enthuse and inspire the children about wildlife and the natural environment in general.

A visit would help the children to develop their understanding of habitats, adaptation, colour and shape, night and day, life processes, classification, and food chains. They would become more aware of issues surrounding environmental change and the need for conservation.

For our full Teacher’s Welcome Pack containing information to help with the planning of a visit, background information about the animals and a full risk assessment PDF click here or by telephone on 01298 814099.

We look forward to welcoming you to the park.

Fully Guided Visit

An experienced member of staff will stay with your group throughout your visit and will take you on a conducted tour of the park.

The Education Centre will be available for your use, where your group will be able to leave belongings and have lunch if required.
If you wish to extend your visit, you may use the Education Centre for a teaching session to reinforce the experiences gained from the tour.

This session should be teacher- led, but your Guide will be on hand for advice and to support your activities.

Pencils, crayons, etc are available for your use.

Price £6.00 per child. One supervising adult is admitted free with every 5 paying children.

Extra adults are charged at £7.50.

Adoption

Adopt an Animal... and become a real part of our Conservation Programme!

Following overwhelming requests from our visitors wishing to do more to help us with our ongoing conservation programme, we have introduced an adoption scheme for many of our animals. For a small outlay, based on the cost of feeding and welfare provisions, individuals or families can adopt animals of their choice.

What do you receive when you adopt an animal?

You'll receive an A4 Certificate with a photograph of your chosen animal - ready for framing.
Your name is put on the 'Thank You' board at the enclosure. We'll also send you an 'Adoption pack' which includes a fact sheet on your species, two annual newsletters and a car sticker.
We also offer a special 'Adoption pack' for children.

Can I give my adoption as a Gift?

Adoptions make the perfect gift! It's active for six months or a year. We can either send the Pack to you or your recipient with a gift card.

How much will it cost and how do I apply for an adoption?

Adoptions start from just £15.00. You can easily apply by completing an Adoption Application form by Clicking Here or you may wish to telephone us on 01298 814099. We take all major Credit Cards - or you can apply the next time you visit the Park!

Animals for Adoption at the Chestnut Centre

OTTER (Eurasian, Canadian and Asian short clawed)
   1 year - £50.00    6 months - £25.00

FOX, BADGER AND WILD CAT
   1 year - £50.00    6 months - £25.00

POLECAT AND PINE MARTEN
   1 year - £50.00    6 months - £25.00

OWLS AND BIRDS OF PREY
   1 year - £50.00    6 months - £25.00

OTTER (Giant South American)
   1 year - £100.00  6 months - £50.00

FALLOW DEER
   1 year - £60.00    6 months - £30.00

HARVEST MICE
   1 year - £30.00    6 months - £15.00

Opening Times

Open all year as below.

Winter

Please note! During January we are only open a weekends. During February we are open every day from 10.30am - dusk. Last advised visit approximately 3.00pm

Spring/Summer

Open every day 10.30am - 5.30pm Last advised visit 4.00pm

Our Facilities

Free Parking and free admission to our Wildlife Souvenir Shop. The spacious Woodland Restaurant has indoor and outdoor tables where you can enjoy a range of hot and cold food - why not try one of our speciality cream teas? We hold special events and fun days during school holidays, please contact us for details. School parties and groups welcomed. Guided tours, and worksheets provided. Special discounts available. View our Education Facilities

Important note for Dog Owners!

It is regretted that dogs are not allowed in the Park (except hearing dogs and guide dogs for the blind).

General Note

Feeding of our birds and mammals is not allowed - all of them have specialised diets!

Admission Prices 2011

   Adults - £7.50
   Children (3 to 16 years) - £5.25
   Family (2 adults and 2 children - £22.75
   Family (1 adult and 3 children) - £22.75
   Seniors (over 60) - £6.50
   Disabled/special needs adult - £6.50
   Disabled/special needs child - £4.50
   Designated Carer - FREE

Coaches must pre-book.

Season Tickets

   Adults - £30.00
   Children (3 to 16 years) - £21.00
   Family (2 adults and 2 children - £92.00
   Family (1 adult and 3 children) - £92.00
   Seniors (over 60) - £26.00
   Pre-Organised School Educational
    Visits - £6.00    (inc Vat)  (Adults free on a 1:5 ratio)

For more information please contact us

Wheelchairs

 Difficult for wheelchairs,
 but not impossible.
 Wheel chair users free

Coffee Shop and Gift Shop

Chestnut Coffee Shop

Everyone is welcome our coffee shop is open to both park visitors or passers- by.
We have become a vital refuelling stop to cyclists on their way to Castleton!
Enjoy a cappucino and a homemade cake or a light snack.
We have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Picnic area in our Quaker graveyard.

Wildlife Gift Shop

Browse around the gift shop for that extra special souvenir. We have a wide range of unusual gifts to suit all tastes and pockets.
During the summer months we stock interesting herbs, wild flowers and annuals grown by Julie Norfolk in nearby Longnor.
Coffee and Gift shop are both open to non-park visitors.

Could you be a wildlife keeper?

Have you ever watched an Animal Keeper working with the animals and wished you could join in? Then it's time to roll up your sleeves, put on your boots, get your hands dirty and join our Animal Keepers at The Chestnut Centre for a day to remember.

Your experience will start at 9:00 am and finish around 4.30pm. You will be met at the centre by your personal wildlife keeper who will give you quick health and safety and your special t-shirt to wear.

During the day you will have the opportunity to make up the various animals diets and feed them, clean out sleeping boxes, water baths and food trays etc. Make an enrichment toy then watch the otters play with it or ignore it! Also have the chance to feed the otters, deer and many of the other animals.

Through out the day you will be accompanied by one of our experienced and friendly Animal Keepers who will ensure that you have an exciting day.

You need to be reasonably fit and over 18 years of age. Please note due to health reasons pregnant women and anyone suffering from a suppressant illness will not be able to join us.

KEEPER DAYS: MARCH - JUNE and SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
Weekdays £180.00   Weekends: £200.00

More information:
Contact: 01298 814099 - Moira or Rebecca
EMAIL: animals@chestnutcentre.co.uk

Downloadable documents

Wildlife Keepers
What I need to know
Terms and Conditions

Visit the main website: to print these documents.

Work Experience at the Chestnut Centre

Applications are accepted from September 2011 for 2012. Closing date 31st December 2011.

We have a limited number of placements and try to accommodate as best we can. Applicants must be over 18 years. Unfortunately we do not take on volunteers.

During work experience you will shadow one of our qualified and experience keepers through out the park, learning skills in animal husbandry. Key tasks will include:

   Cleaning and maintaining animal
    enclosures.
   Food preparation for the animals.
   Feeding of the animals.
   Rehabilitation of wild animals

Being an animal keeper is a physically demanding job, and especially here at the Chestnut Centre due to the terrain of the site, so you need to be fit and healthy. Competition is high so we have criteria when short-listing applicants before being invited for an interview.

   Applicants must be available
    for a minimum period of 2 weeks
   Individuals should be seriously
    considering a career in the field,
    of Zoology,animal husbandry or a
    related subject.

Application

Applications are now closed for 2011.

Application will be accepted from September 2010 for 2011 work placements. Interviews with be arranged during December and January.

Successful applicants will be contacted after all interviews have been conducted.
To apply please send us a copy of your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you want to carry out your work experience with us. Please include any possible dates that you could attend.

Please send to Rebecca Wood:
By email: animals@chestnutcentre.co.uk
By Post:
   The Chestnut Centre
   Castleton Road
   Chapel-en-le-frith
   High Peak
   SK23 0QS

Contact us

No job vacancies or volunteering.
All work experience slots filled for this year
please apply after September attaching your CV,
carrying out an animal related course.
(over 18s only)

Chestnut Centre Otter, Owl and
  Wildlife Park
Chapel-en-le-Frith
High Peaks
Derbyshire SK23 0QS
Tel: 01298 814099
Fax: 01298 816213
Email: enquiries@chestnutcentre.co.uk

How to find us

We're within the Peak District National
Park located just off the A625 east of
Chapel-en-le-Frith from the A6.

Follow the brown tourist signs.

The Park's Animals

Since we started our Otter breeding and rehabilitation programme over 30 years ago, we have substantially increased the number of animal species at our Centre and within the Park.

Giant Otter - the largest and rarest of all the otters in the world found only in the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata rivers of South America.
These large animals can eat up to 4 kg of fish each per day, they also eat crustacean, snakes and other small river animals.
Manoki (male) and Panambi (female) are both young and unrelated.
They are part of an international breeding programme for this endangered otter whose numbers are still decreasing in the wild.

A very adaptable otter living in both freshwater and coastal areas of Canada and North America; they are not found in southern California, Texas, New Mexico and the Mojave desert. They can tolerate both cold and warm latitudes and unusually can be found at high elevations. This active and playful otter is mainly diurnal.

At the Chestnut Centre they are popular with our staff as they are so mischievous.

Well adapted to aquatic life this otter has a waterproof coat, 4 webbed feet and a powerful tail to streamline and steer it in the water.

Mostly active at twilight and in darkness, they survive mainly on fish and small rodents and birds.

Numbers declined in Britain but are now on the increase due to protection and improvement in water quality.

Although rarely spotted in Derbyshire there has been an increase in the number of sightings.

The smallest of our otters, lives in large family groups of up to 20. They have litters of between 1 and 6.

Their front paws are like tiny hands which they use to dig and search in rock pools for food.

They also like to play and juggle stones with them. They are the most vocal and use this chatter to communicate, making most noise at feeding time.

North and South American Great Horned Owl - has very large ear tufts hence the name ' horned '.

Its plumage can vary from brown to grey but always has bright yellow eyes.

It is found from the Arctic to South America and is the most common owl of the Americas coping with all habitats except tropical forests.

North and South American Great Horned Owl - has very large ear tufts hence the name ' horned '.

Its plumage can vary from brown to grey but always has bright yellow eyes.

It is found from the Arctic to South America and is the most common owl of the Americas coping with all habitats except tropical forests.

These are arguably the largest owls in the world. European Eagle Owls still live in parts of Scandinavia, Austria, Hungary and Germany.

They are owls of mountains and forests nesting on cliff edges. Recently, they have been sighted in towns and cities.

Helsinki had 5 breeding pairs in the city in 2005 and subsequently the Eagle Owl was named ‘Citizen of the Year” in 2007! Charlie is our male Eagle owl and is now over 30 years of age.

Great Grey Owls come from North America, Northern Europe and Northern Asia. Their deep booming call can be heard a long way away.

Because they usually inhabit cold snowy places, they have very thick feathers to keep them warm. Underneath all those feathers they are as small as a Tawny Owl!

They can hunt in temperatures as low as ­20* Centigrade. They have excellent hearing and can pinpoint a small creature moving underneath 30cm of snow.

They can see a mouse or a vole from 200 metres away!

One of the most beautiful owls with its distinctive black and white facial markings surrounding its large orange eyes.

The owls range extends from Gabon east to southern Kenya, south to Namibia and into northern South Africa.

Hunting on the savannah and dry woodland for large invertebrates, small mammals and birds and reptiles.

Spectacled Owls inhabit humid forests in South America. They are so called because of their unusual markings. Some people say they look like monkeys. They are nocturnal and not very often seen.

They eat bats, birds, lizards and insects – and also a kind of spiny mouse, which looks a bit like a hedgehog. They nest in holes in trees and lay only 2 eggs.

They do not hoot like other owls but make a chattering, knocking sound. Sometimes the females scream. They are under threat due to the destruction of the rain forest.

A small to medium owl without ear tufts.

It ranges across Australia to Timor and southern New Guinea.

It has a distinctive two syllable call of boo-book.

A small owl with large ear tufts for its size and a distinct pale collar on its plumage.

This owl is found in the Indian sub-continent inhabiting forests, parks and gardens.

Its main diet are insects, lizards and small birds.

This is a large eagle owl with prominent ear tufts.

It's range extends throughout Europe into Russia, Iran and into China and Korea.

Inhabiting rocky areas, ravines, steppes, and semi-desert. Smaller and paler than the European Eagle Owl.

Although it is becoming scarce in Europe it is not globally threatened.

A handsome dark brown owl without ear tufts, found in the lowland forests of southern India, Sri Lanka, and south to Borneo and Sumatra.

Although it is not threatened globally in some local areas it is subjected to deforestation.

They are the smallest owls found in Britain but they are not the smallest owls in the world. There are smaller species called Pygmy Owls and Elf Owls.

Little Owls are crepuscular - they hunt in the evening, when it is dusk, and again in the morning as the sun is rising.

They love to eat worms, insects and frogs as well as mice.

Although Little owls live in our country they are not native to Britain. They were introduced here in about 1890 from the Netherlands.

Snowy Owls live in the Arctic Tundra where it is very cold and there is a lot of snow. They are occasionally found in Britain.

Females spend more time on the ground than males as they nest in the rocks because there are no trees in the Arctic.

She has brown flecks of colour on her white feathers to act as CAMOUFLAGE when she is on the ground.

Tawny Owls are the most common owl in Britain. There are estimated to be 75,000 pairs living here in the wild.

They thrive in the wild because they have a wide choice of food and are tolerant of the activities of humans.

They are usually found in woodland where they nest in holes in the trunks of trees or in nest boxes.

Tawny Owls have better nocturnal eyesight than any other kind of owl.

A medium size long winged owl with long ear tufts and piercing orange eyes. it enjoys a large range from western Europe to north Africa, China and Japan.

It winters as far south as Pakistan, southern India and southern China. It is also found in North America.

Interestingly, it is thought to be the most nocturnal of all owls only hunting in the darkest and quietest part of the night.

Barn owls are very beautiful birds. Their facial plate is shaped like a heart.

Once described as a pure white owl dipped in gold and sprinkled with silver.

A pair of Barn Owls stay together for life, so if one dies it is very hard for the other to find a new partner.

In a lifetime, one owl will catch up to 11,000 mice.

Common Buzzard - is a medium to large size bird of prey and can be found throughout Europe and into Asia.

Buzzards like to hunt over open land and are frequently seen hunting over recently ploughed fields for small mammals.

It is not under threat at the moment. Buzzards can be confused with the Red Kite especially when flying - the main difference is the kite has a forked tail.

Red foxes can be found all over Britain. Although really woodland animals they are often found in towns.

Foxes are shy and nocturnal and eat rabbits, voles, mice, worms, beetles and berries, also hunting for scraps in dustbins.

They are brilliant hunters due to their excellent hearing. They can even hear a mouse squeaking from 100 metres away!

Pine martens were once widespread in Britain. They are now only found in remote forests and hills of Scotland and Ireland.

Active mainly at night hunting small mammals and birds, beetles, caterpillars, eggs and berries. Being agile climbers pine martens are quick enough to catch squirrels.

Apart from man, Pine martens have no natural enemies and can live for up to ten years in the wild.

Wildcats were once found throughout England, Scotland and Wales but not in Ireland They are shy and secretive and now live only in the remote forests and moors of the Scottish Highlands.

Wildcats are CREPUSCULAR. Their coat texture and markings are similar to a tabby cat but the tail is bushier and shorter with 3 to 5 distinct black rings.

Males can weigh up to 5 kg. and females up to 4 kg. and measure up to 90 cm from nose to tip of tail.

Their staple diet is mice, rabbits, hares and voles, and the occasional egg, frog or eel. They hunt by stealth, creeping up quietly on their prey.

Polecats, ferrets and pine marten are almost the same because they belong to the same family of animals - the WEASEL family, or MUSTELIDAE.

Polecats are mostly found on farmland where they will make a home in farm buildings or under piles of logs.

Their favourite food is frogs but they also eat voles, mice, worms and birds’ eggs. They have few natural predators but many are killed by traffic.

These pretty deer where introduced to the UK by the Normans for the purpose of hunting.

Wild herds continue to live in the New Forest National Park.

The bucks and does live in single sex groups most of the year coming together for the rut or mating season in October.

The fawns are born the following May or June.

We have 2 Manchurian Sika at the Chestnut Centre. Although they are frequently with the Fallow deer herd they can be identified by their large ears.

Sikas have been in the UK since 1860 when a pair were given to the Zoological Society of London.

Inevitably as more parks had these deer there were escapees who have become feral.

At present the UK strongholds for wild Sika deer are in The New Forest and south-east Dorset.

The Short-Eared Owl is found throughout Europe, Northern Asia, North America, and much of the lower half of South America.

In the UK it is most often seen in the north of the country, though in the winter it becomes more widespread due to migration from more northerly regions.

We have no Short Eared Owls at the Chestnut Centre.