Watchtree Wildlife
Mammals
The Brown Hare, unquestionably Watchtree's symbolic wildlife
symbol can be seen in just about all parts of the reserve, with the obvious
exceptions being the water! These surprisingly large mammals, unlike their rabbit
cousins that dig holes, make a shallow scrape or Form
March must surely witness the most spectacular wildlife
spectacle at Watchtree and is associated with Hare breeding behaviour: March
Madness will often see rapid Hare chases
involving male hares chasing rivals away whilst boxing
The Red Squirrel is one of Watchtree's target species given
that the surrounding areas are still a stronghold for this native mammal. Such
is the conservation concern for this species it is afforded both British
(Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and European (Appendix 3 Berne Convention)
legal protection. No Red Squirrels have so far managed to breed at Watchtree
but with small populations in nearby woodlands and with over eighty thousand
mixed woodland trees planted it is hoped that Watchtree could become a
stronghold in the future. Though less noticeable, a great many other mammals have been
sighted at Watchtree, including; Stoat, Weasel, Voles, Shrews, Mole and Mice.
The precise species of Vole, Mice and shrew should be clarified with future
small mammal's surveys. Roe Deer have occasionally been sighted in the established
woodlands with up to four seen at one visit. A Red Fox and cubs has also been sighted in Pond Wood being
discovered following obvious disturbance to undergrowth in this very quite part
of the reserve. At least five species of Bat have been discovered at
Watchtree, either in specially adapted Bat roosts or via detection through Bat
surveys. Using a high frequency detector, set to different levels for different
species of bat, bat ecologists have been able to follow these amazing mammals
nocturnal activities. Daubenton's Bats have been discovered over the wetland
and reedbed areas, most likely because this species specialises in catching
insects in open wetland habitats. Noctule, Brandt's and Pipistrelle being the
other species discovered in woodland areas and near to open meadows. The Red Squirrel
Red Squirrel (Liz Still) Bats
