Newberry Wildlife: A Pheasant Called “Chicken”
Every campsite has its characters. Here at Newberry Valley, some arrive with caravans, some with motorhomes, quite a few arrive on four legs… and occasionally, one simply wanders out of the woodland and appoints himself to the team.
This year, that particular character has been a rather handsome male pheasant whom our wardens have affectionately named Chicken.
And Chicken, it has to be said, is no ordinary pheasant.
Making himself at home
Many of you who have stayed with us this season will already know exactly who we mean.
Chicken has become a familiar sight around the park, strutting purposefully between the pitches as though he's carrying out his morning inspections.
Most pheasants tend to keep a reasonable distance from people. Chicken appears to have decided that such formalities are entirely unnecessary. In fact, he's been known to wander straight into guests' awnings while they're quietly sitting down reading the paper.
Imagine settling into your chair, cup of tea nearby, enjoying a peaceful morning at Newberry Valley… only to look up and discover a pheasant has popped in to see you. Even better, if there's a spare chair available, Chicken has been known to make himself comfortable.
Perhaps he considers himself a paying guest. We're not entirely sure.
An honorary member of the warden team
Of course, our wardens see rather a lot of Chicken too. Come tea-break time, he knows exactly where to go. He'll confidently strut into the Big Shed to see what's happening and, more importantly, whether anyone might be willing to share a tasty morsel with him.
Chicken isn't particularly difficult to please. A little sliced bread has traditionally gone down very well, although we're trying not to let his fame go to his head — or his waistline! He's now such a regular visitor that we're beginning to wonder whether he thinks he actually works here.
Part of life at Newberry Valley
One of the things we love about Newberry Valley is that we're surrounded by wildlife. With the ancient woodland, green fields and lake around us, there's always something going on if you stop for a moment and look.
Some visitors are fleeting. Others, like Chicken, decide to become part of daily park life.
He's made people laugh, startled more than a few unsuspecting campers and provided plenty of entertainment for our wardens. And somewhere along the way, he's become another little character in the story of Newberry Valley.
As the seasons change and the park begins to quieten, these are often the moments we remember - the unexpected visitors, funny encounters and little stories that could only happen on a campsite surrounded by the North Devon countryside.
If you've stayed at Newberry Valley this year, maybe you have had a visit from Chicken.
Perhaps he's wandered through your pitch, appeared unexpectedly outside your caravan or even invited himself into your awning. We'd love to hear any Chicken stories.
Until then, keep an eye out for a flash of colourful feathers on your next wander around the park. If Chicken is on duty, there's every chance he'll be keeping an eye on you too.
Join us at Newberry Valley Park, perfectly nestled between the coast and the countryside. Book now to secure your spot and immerse yourself in the delights North Devon has to offer you!
