Ranger Ralph Club gets crafty for Dartmoor's birds  

Dartmoor’s fascinating range of birds was the subject of a fun activity day for young members of our Ranger Ralph Club.

Thirty-three enthusiastic youngsters got crafty and made eco-friendly nesting stations and feeders before going off to explore the Haytor area on a treasure hunt with a focus on one of the moor's most loved feathered visitor. 

The event on February 14 was one of many which are held throughout the year as part of the popular Ranger Ralph Club. The club is open to all children between the ages of 5-12 years and is ideal for young nature enthusiasts who get to learn more about the National Park's amazing landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. 

With spring just around the corner, and February marking National Nestbox Week, Dartmoor’s special birdlife was a great focus for the event led by Education Support Officer Mel Hooper, Ranger Pete Rich and Outreach and Events Officer Claire Partridge.

Club members made bird nesting stations from eggboxes and collected natural materials for birds to use to build their nests and made heart shaped bird feeders by threading Cheerios onto pipe cleaners. 

The budding young rangers then explored parts of Haytor through a clue-led treasure hunt to help them identify the cuckoo, a migratory bird which is synonymous with spring and usually arrives on Dartmoor from April onwards. Club members rounded off their day with a hot chocolate and lots of marshmallows.

Education Support Officer Mel Hooper said: "We had a fantastic day with our Ranger Ralph Club members. It was a brilliant way to put the spotlight on Dartmoor’s special birds and encourage children to learn more about them. Each child was able to take home their nesting stations and feeders to use in their own gardens. We hope it’s given them a lot of fun while learning more about the National Park’s unique wildlife."

The Ranger Ralph Club meets on a regular basis and each activity is safely led by a Dartmoor National Park Ranger. It doesn't cost much to sign up - membership is a bargain at £12 per year from April - and includes a welcome pack, a regular newsletter with competitions and games, and free and fun activities throughout the year.

Love Moor Life

Dartmoor's unique and protected landscape is filled with rare wildlife, free roaming livestock and ponies.

At this time of year, birds are beginning to look for nesting spots so they can raise their young. Birds such as the meadow pipit, skylark and curlew stay on the ground while others roost in trees and hedges. 

March 1 marks the start of livestock breeding and bird nesting season. We’re asking that people help to Love Moor Life by keeping dogs on leads to protect ground nesting birds and the moorland's livestock and to take all litter home.