30/05/2026
❤️WE THOUGHT WE’D LOST GARY FOREVER… THEN HE CAME HOME ❤️
Four years ago, a handsome pheasant wandered into our lives at The Woodlands House Estate and decided this was home.
We named him Gary.
At first, he was just another wild visitor. But over time, Gary became part of the family. We watched him raise several generations of chicks, defend his territory, and become one of the estate’s most familiar faces.
As the years passed, younger males began taking over territory. Some were likely his own sons. Gradually, Gary stepped aside and allowed the next generation to take their place. It was nature taking its course, and we understood that.
Then this year, something changed.
For much of the spring, we barely saw Gary or Brittany.
After four years of seeing them almost every day, we became genuinely worried. Had age finally caught up with him? Had he been pushed out by younger birds? Or had something happened to him?
We honestly thought we might never see him again.
Then one morning, there he was.
As if he had never been away.
Since then, Gary and Brittany have returned to their daily routine. Every morning they arrive for breakfast, and every afternoon they stop by for their snacks. When we call Gary, he recognises us and comes wandering across the lawn to see what treats are waiting.
Alongside him is Brittany, his faithful companion for the past two and a half years. This will be their third season together, and seeing them side by side again has brought us more happiness than most people would imagine.
Gary has also watched our Brahma chickens grow up. When the chicks were only eight weeks old, he would quietly circle their coop, fascinated by them and keeping a respectful eye on their daily adventures. As they’ve grown, they’ve all learned to live peacefully together, sharing the estate without a fuss.
Wild pheasants rarely have the chance to grow old.
That’s why every morning we see Gary strutting across the lawn feels like a gift.
As we create new nesting areas and wildlife habitats around The Woodlands House Estate, we’re hoping Gary and Brittany will continue to call this place home for many years to come.
Sometimes the most memorable residents aren’t the ones who book a stay…
They’re the ones who choose to stay. 💚
📍 The Woodlands House Estate, North Devon Coast
Where wildlife is welcomed as family, not just allowed