Cyril the Squirrel – A Mischievous Friend at Nynehead Court
Life at Nynehead Court is full of gentle surprises. From the changing colours of the seasons in our gardens to the everyday rhythms of our residents and team, there is always something happening to capture attention. Among these familiar sights is one of our liveliest neighbours, Cyril the Squirrel.
Cyril has become something of a character around the estate, especially near the Orangery, where he seems most at home. He is quick, agile, and endlessly entertaining, darting from branch to branch, pausing only to twitch his tail or pause with an acorn between his paws. Residents and visitors often spot him in the mornings, when the sun warms the trees and his energy seems boundless.
One of Cyril’s favourite pastimes is providing impromptu displays of acrobatics in the branches. Balancing effortlessly, he runs along the thinnest twigs, leaps with astonishing precision, and swings upside down in search of food. For those enjoying coffee in the Orangery or a quiet walk through the gardens, these antics never fail to bring a smile. There is something undeniably cheerful about watching him go about his busy routines, seemingly oblivious to the audience he attracts.
Cyril has earned a reputation for being a little mischievous. From time to time, he takes an interest in the bark of some of our treasured trees. Residents have watched him carefully peel strips away, often while glancing about with the guilty look of one who knows he has been caught. While the gardening team do not always approve of his handiwork, there is no denying that his playful determination adds another layer of life to the grounds.
For our residents, Cyril has become part of the daily life of Nynehead Court. Just as Tommy the Cat provides gentle companionship indoors, Cyril adds his presence to the gardens. He is a reminder of the close connection we have to nature, even while living in comfort and security. Many residents have remarked on how watching wildlife like Cyril helps them feel more in tune with the world outside their window. His visits are a simple pleasure, yet one that carries real meaning.
Cyril’s presence is also a conversation starter. Spotting him sparks chats over morning tea, or laughter shared between friends who watched him make a daring leap or cheekily steal food left out for the birds. He is part of what makes life here rich and varied, turning ordinary moments into small, shared experiences that stay in the memory.
Wildlife has always played a part in the charm of Nynehead Court. Our gardens provide a haven for birds, butterflies, and squirrels like Cyril, each contributing to the calm and vitality of the estate. Yet Cyril seems to have taken his role further, becoming more than just another garden visitor. He is a personality in his own right, bringing joy, amusement, and even a little mischief to those who watch him.
As summer shifts into autumn, Cyril will no doubt be even busier, collecting nuts and preparing for the colder months ahead. We expect he will still be seen leaping across the branches near the Orangery, keeping a watchful eye on the residents who have become his biggest fans. And no doubt, he will continue to test the patience of our gardeners as he indulges his habit of bark stripping.
In every season, Cyril the Squirrel is part of the life of Nynehead Court. He brings movement to quiet moments, laughter to afternoon strolls, and a sense of connection to the wildlife around us. We are always delighted to see him, even if he is caught mid-mischief, because he is a reminder of how vibrant and full of surprises our gardens continue to be.
For our residents, Cyril is a neighbour, a performer, and a mischievous little character who has made himself very much at home. And we would not have it any other way. If you’d like to meet Cyril, please contact us and we’ll see if we can introduce you to him, if you’d like to visit our award winning care home in Somerset.