Hello everyone, my name is Teresa and excluding the Haddo regeneration update; posted on the 16th June, this is my first blog as the seasonal Visitor Services Officer (VSO) for Haddo House and Country Park.
I can't believe this is the start of my fourth week at Haddo; the time has really flown by. My temporary office is in the porta-cabin situated in the main car park of the country park. A huge thank you to all the staff and regular visitors to Haddo that have taken time out of their busy schedules to pop into the porta-cabin and introduce themselves. I have enjoyed meeting everyone and surely appreciate everyone making me feel very welcome.
It’s an exciting time to be joining the Haddo team, as the park is under-going a major facelift. The park has suffered from many years of underinvestment; as a consequence some of its special features such as the pheasantry, balustrade, Waterloo obelisk, Kemble’s seat, urn monument, deer statues & golden gates are in desperate need of an overhaul. Thanks to The Heritage Lottery "Parks for People" funding, this overhaul is now well under way. This program of works will help to conserve these special structures and monuments for future generations, and ultimately enhance the overall visitor experience. We deeply regret any inconvenience this restoration and refurbishment program may cause to visitors and thank visitors for their patience during this busy time.
Haddo has been a favourite destination of mine for many years, and I'm really looking forward working here over the summer. When it comes to local destinations, I think Haddo must be one of the best in the north east of Scotland. Haddo has an incredibly interesting history, an elegant mansion house with stunning late Victorian interiors, a terraced garden leading to the Country Park and wonderful walks around the lakes. In addition to this, there are significant areas of mixed broadleaf woodlands, grasslands, wildflower meadows and an abundance of wildlife (red squirrels, otters, water voles, bats, and numerous species of birds & mini beasts).
Despite the fact that there is a lot of construction work on-going around the park, it is surprising how quiet the park is, once you get away from the main areas of work. Down by the lake you would hardly know there are major works going on.
The swans seem quite oblivious to all the work going on around them. They are doing a brilliant job rearing four wayward cygnets. I say wayward because these babies have had their parents, Haddo staff and visitors to Haddo in quite a flap since their arrival. Like all youngsters they like exploring their surroundings. However, unfortunately these youngsters are not learning from their mistakes. They have made repeated trips over the weir, resulting in them getting stuck below the weir, much to everyones distress. 
But don't worry Jim "one of Haddo's marvellous ground's maintenance team" has remedied the problem. Jim braved the threats from the cygnets dad and managed to put a wooden walkway with a lovely non-slip mat covering in-situ, which our wayward babies are now using "Hurrrraaa"...
I have been keeping a close eye on those wayward babies, they really had me worried yesterday as I couldn't see them anywhere on the lake. However, today, all is well, all four cygnets were present and looking as cute as ever.
Updates
The NTS boundary fence in the pleasure ground has been removed and will be reinstated to its original position at the foot of the terrace. This has really opened this area up and I think it looks amazing, I was surprised that such a small change could make such an impressive difference.
Path Re-surfacing
This week the CHAP team will be working on the re-surfacing of the paths within the park. In the interests of public safety, some paths may be temporarily closed. Visitors to the park are asked to take extra care on uneven surfaces and follow diversion signs. This work will be on-going throughout the week and may take a number of weeks to complete; we apologise for any inconvenience, and thank visitors for their patience whilst these works take place.
Coming up
Small Mammal Trapping
This weekend (28th & 29th June) NESBReC are running a small mammal trapping course at Haddo. Unfortunately I am unable to attend but, I’m really looking forward to hearing all about it.
Butterflies & Moths Identification
NESBReC will also be running a Butterflies & Moths Identification course at Haddo on Sat 27th July (10.30am 3pm).
NESBReC will also be running a Butterflies & Moths Identification course at Haddo on Sat 27th July (10.30am 3pm).
This will be a great course for anyone that wants to know more about the butterflies and moths that are present in and around Haddo and our local area.
This FREE event will help you understand more about the range of species to be found and give you the skills to identify them. The day will begin with an indoor presentation on this fascinating group of species. Then we will have a look at what has been caught overnight in a couple of moth traps and visiting various locations in the park to try and find some day flying species. The event will be led by Helen Rowe, a local expert and enthusiast. This event is suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL and SPACES ARE LIMITED
To book a FREE place contact NESBReC at
glenn.roberts@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone 01224 273633
Finally
I'm looking forward to meeting all the visitors to the park over the summer and if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to pop into the porta-cabin or contact me on:
I'm looking forward to meeting all the visitors to the park over the summer and if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to pop into the porta-cabin or contact me on:
Haddo VSO Tel: 01651 851815
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