Trentham Monkey Forest a Fascinating Experience
Take an Amazing and Moving Walk on The Wild Side in Staffordshire
Jun 28, 2009
Visitors in effect become the guests of these amazing and highly intelligent primates as they close the entrance gate behind them and set out along the Forest path which stretches for just under a mile.
The monkeys roam freely around the 60 acres of English countryside just as they do in their native North African mountains. This enables visitors to the Forest to observe at first hand the close bonds which exist in Macaque society.
At first all may seem calm. The Macaques lounge in the grassy areas which border the path. They observe the visiting homo sapiens with what appear to be bored expressions on their faces. The monkeys often wander slowly in front of their guests, sometimes looking up at them but more often ignoring them.
Baby Macaques Born at Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Monkey Forest's population has increased by five during the past few weeks and visitors look out for the new arrivals. Infant Barbary Macaques can be identified by their black hair which distinguishes them from slightly older youngsters. This makes them easy to spot as they cling on while being transported around the Forest on the backs of the adult monkeys.
However, the peace is easily disturbed. Visitors are frequently startled when one or more of the monkeys issues an ear piercing shriek. Others immediately stand up and try to see what is happening before rushing through groups of humans on the path to get quickly to the scene of the disturbance.
Trentham Monkey Forest Home to Two Colonies of Macaques
Trentham Monkey Forest is home to two colonies of Macaques which inhabit two distinct areas. These incidents occur when a member of one colony strays on to the territory of the other. The intruder can often be seen fleeing up one of the tall trees closely pursued by other Macaques.
The offending monkey and his pursuers climb higher and higher amid a carcophony of shrieks and screams. The branches of the tree swing around and Macaques have been seen trying to dislodge the 'illegal alien' by violently shaking branches.
Eventually the hapless intruder can be seen running back to his own colony. The chorus of shrieks dies down, the tree stops moving and calm returns until such times as another Macaque decides to cross the territorial boundary.
Each Trentham Monkey Forest Macaque Colony Has an Alpha Male
In the meantime visitors continue their walk through the forest under the gaze of its permanent inhabitants. These include each colony's alpha male as well as the oldest resident, a female in her late 20's who really is quite elderly in Macaque terms.
If the weather is not too hot or a shady area is available newborn Macaques may be brought close to the edge of the path by older monkeys who often feed them fruit. However, bad manners are not tolerated. Any attempt by the infant to grab the fruit rather than accept the pieces being offered results in a very loud telling off from the adults which can startle the watching humans.
Guides On Hand to Explain Behaviour of Trentham Macaques
Guides who are on hand at all times to explain the behaviour of the Macaques quickly reassure the visitors the monkeys give high priority to the happiness and well being of their young. In this case the Macaque adult's bark really is worse than his bite.
The guides also give hourly talks about the feeding of the monkeys and ensure all visitors behave in an appropriate manner. Shouting and running are not allowed as this type of behaviour frightens the Macaques.
Visitors are advised to remain one arms length away from the monkeys during their time in the Forest but this is close enough to allow adults and children to be photographed with a Macaque. Of course this depends on the willingness of individual primates to remain in one position for the necessary period of time.
Car Parking Free at Trentham Monkey Forest
Car parking at Trentham Monkey Forest which is located on Stone Road, Trentham is free. Visitors can enjoy refreshments in a grassed picnic area or the 'Banana Cafe' which has a terrace on which to relax. There is also a shop and two adventure playgrounds for children.
Visitors without a car can walk to Trentham Monkey Forest from the nearby spectacular Trentham Gardens. Alternatively, for just £1.00 they can ride on the Lake Ferry which leaves from the jetty close to the Trentham Gardens Visitors Centre.
Trentham Monkey Forest opens at 10.00am every day from April 1 to the end of October. During the first half of November it opens at weekends and during school holidays. This is also the situation in February and March. The Monkey Forest is closed in January and February.
Admission costs £6.00 for adults, £4.50 for children aged 3 to 14 and £5.50 for pensioners. Children under the age of three are admitted free and there are special charges for school parties and groups of more than 20 people.
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