Harelaw Cottages

10/02/2025

As some of you will know all the proceeds from the sale of our hen eggs go to environmental or wildlife charities or not for profit organisations. Last year we raised £306.50 from the sale of the Harelaw Hens eggs. We've already donated £206.50 of this to Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust and have a good idea where we will be donating the remaining £100 (watch this space). Thanks to everyone who has purchased our eggs, you're helping to make a difference. Our girls have all finished their moult now and are laying again (see photo) so we have delicious, colourful free range eggs for sale once more.

10/02/2025

EDIT

I’ve added two extra February dates online today:

🦀Sat 15th February 9-11
🦀Friday 28th February 9-11
🦀Saturday 1st March 9-11
🦀Sunday 2nd March 9-11.

Pre- booking is essential as we sell out every year since 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024.

2 hours
2 guides

📆 You can change the date on the booking calendar from March- September to check availability.

✅Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

🎫 £20 per person
🎫 £10 pp age 3-16
🎫 Under age 3’s are FREE

✅ Including the use of a Dryrobe (age 5+)
✅ All equipment provided
✅ Wear Wellington boots
✅ Suitable for anyone who can walk safely on slippery surfaces like seaweed.

BOOK HERE
bookwhen.com/rangerjanebeachschool70

06/02/2025

As daylight hours begin lengthening, we have decided to extend the opening hours of Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Nature reserve.

Beginning today, the reserve gates will open 09:00 and close 17:00 promptly.
The Lookout Cafe located inside Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, opens 10:00 and closes 16:00, with hot food served up to 15:00.

Image compositor Sheila Luck

06/02/2025

Swan Jottings 23rd January 2025

At this time of the year the Rollo Centre is quiet in terms of new admissions but this week we took in a large buzzard. It had been spotted by the side of the road presumably clipped by a car, so Barbara and one of our volunteers went out to rescue it. It was the first buzzard I’d handled, holding it whilst its cage was cleaned out and then putting it back without it escaping, a learning point being that buzzards back up from the cage rather than going forward into it when you release them from the towel! A couple of days in, it is unsteady on its feet and a bit under the desirable weight at 750g, standing guard over its food rather than eating it, but hopefully it will soon regain its appetite and strength.
Whilst it’s quiet, it feels like a good time to take a more detailed look back over the last twelve months at the number of mammals and birds that we have supported with the help of our volunteers and the kind donations of our supporters. At the start of 2024, alongside the shed full of mostly sleeping hedgehogs, we had a number of larger birds over-wintering with us: three cygnets which had all arrived individually during the summer, three owls and a buzzard. Two of the owls, a barn and a tawny, were released early in the year with the rest of these birds being with us until April when weather conditions were kinder.
Across the last calendar year, we admitted a total of 166 mammals and 276 birds. Of course, not all of this number were with us for longer term care. Some just needed a few nights rest and recuperation, whilst a number were in too poor health to survive for long. Of the mammals, by far the largest category was the hedgehogs of which we took in 158 of various ages and weights. This year there were a lot of small hoglets that were brought in late in the summer with three in September that weighed less than 60 grams each which is a very late litter and unusual. We also took in one rat kit, two leverets, four rabbit kits and a vole! Three of the rabbits were brought in to us on 1st of May, they were found near to a bonfire that had been lit in a works premises to burn rubbish. They were very young, and we assume from the same litter. Their fur was slightly singed and unfortunately one did not survive, perhaps due to smoke inhalation, but two of them did and were released together growing to a good size in just thirty days.
Turning to the birds, it was a very quiet year in terms of swan admissions as Pat mentioned a couple of weeks ago, with only two coming in to us, one in March and one in October. The biggest category was the herring gulls with a grand total of 127 coming through the door. The majority arrive during June to August creating the need for a lot of hosing down of the small pond area and the cutting up of numerous fish, not our favourite tasks. Pigeons and doves also came in significant numbers with 50 admissions, many were squabs or juveniles needing hand rearing until they could pick up their own grain, at which point we needed to back off and “rewild” them. There were also 41 garden birds of different varieties and 21 raptors which included 15 owls.
Another busy year!
Gill Powell

01/02/2025

The Barn Owl is still in the Hoolit Cottage box. We haven't seen a second owl yet but we'll let you know if we do, fingers crossed.

31/01/2025

The Snowdrops are putting on an excellent show here at Harelaw (as usual).

27/01/2025

🌟 Kelso Races Ladies Day – Sunday, 25th May 🌟

Have you got your tickets yet? ✨
The countdown is on, with only the LAST FEW Early Bird tickets remaining! Don’t miss out on the most stylish event of the season.

The Colourful Edit Catwalk is making its grand return, and once again we will be shining a spotlight on sustainable fashion. Let’s celebrate creativity while reusing and restyling those fabulous outfits – because glamour and sustainability go hand in hand.

After a thrilling day of racing, prepare to be blown away as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers take the stage to bring the evening alive with their electrifying energy. They’re going to rock the racecourse like never before!

Secure your spot now for an unforgettable day of racing, fashion, and live entertainment at Kelso Racecourse.

Don’t wait – grab your Early Bird tickets today!

Once they are gone, they are gone.

26/01/2025

🌿 A Festival of Snowdrops at Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum starting on Saturday the 8th of February 2025 and then open daily from 10:30am till 4pm.

Assistance dogs only.

21/01/2025

❤️🥂Something special for Valentine’s Day this year 🥂❤️

We have also decided to offer a DEAL on accommodation when you book for Valentine’s Day!

❤️£100 for a 1 night stay
❤️£150 for a 2 night stay

Email to book this deal as it wont appear on the website!

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

Lovely especially the almond croissants and Cruffins

We’ve been baking with love and today it’s all paying off!✨
Our teeny tiny bakery earned a cherished spot in The Times as a one of the top five artisan bakery in Scotland. 🤭
Absolutely thrilled and proud to be featured alongside some of the very best and most talented bakers Scotland has to offer however, such recognition wouldn't be possible without your unwavering support.
As we continue to highlight the beauty of organic ingredients and artisanal precision, know that you’re always a slice of our success.♥️

19/01/2025

Having been several times it’s highly recommended

Discover the best restaurants in Northumberland, from Michelin-starred dining to cosy pubs and unmissable ice cream

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

Stop off for some warmth and tranquility in The Lookout Cafe at Hauxley 🍲✨ There's nothing like a bowl of delicious soup with a wild lakeside view and nature's finest winged guests for company 🦆🌿

16/01/2025

Despite Moleaggedon across Harelaw the snowdrops are coming up all over the place.

08/01/2025

We are so excited - There is a Barn Owl back in the owl box in Hoolit Cottage. Fingers crossed for a mate

31/12/2024

We at Harelaw wish you all the very best for 2025. Here are a few of the wildlife memories of 2024.

23/12/2024

Wishing all our guests, friends and family a very Happy Christmas. All the best from all of us at Harelaw and Harelaw Cottages, including Sol who started Christmas a bit too early.