great crested newt

Great Crested Newts
Great Crested Newts are threatened. A recent mark-recapture study (2001) used photo-identification to identify individuals. This study, which was licensed by English Nature, showed that the population at Broad Oak Nature Reserve was small. Improvements were made to the breeding ponds. Continued surveys will highlight changes in the population.

Click the "Newts" button for the Great Crested Newt Report.

grass snake

 

slow worm


Grass snakes, lizards and slow worms
Grass snakes and slow-worms are declining in Britain. A reptile survey at Broad Oak Nature Reserve showed that grass snakes can be found in a range of habitats where shelter, sunny basking areas and food sources are available. Slow worms and common lizards showed a preference for areas where scrub borders grassland.

Click the "Reptiles" button for the Reptile Habitat Use Report.


Slow Worms
 The secretive habits of the slow-worm in the wild have only recently been studied and its movements and ranging behaviour have remained largely unknown. A study of these legless lizards was carried out to understand their ranging behaviour. Many slow-worms were found over several years at the same time of year in the same location, providing the first evidence that they both use a regular hibernaculum and follow regular seasonal paths.

Click the "Slow Worms" button for a summary of the Slow Worm Report.





wood mouse

 

Mammals
Following previous studies, a comparative investigation, using live-traps, was conducted into small mammal populations. Wood mice and bank voles were most abundant in hedgerow and woodland. Field vole and common shrew favoured grassland. There was an absence of yellow-necked mice and apparent scarcity of field voles. Possible causes for this are discussed and relevant habitat management is suggested. Field voles and yellow-necked mice are thought to be declining in Britain.

Click the "Mammals" button for a summary of the Mammal Report.
red clover

Plants
There are a wide range of habitats at Broad Oak Nature Reserve, including meadows, woodlands, scrub, ponds and lakes. This diversity is reflected in the many plant species found here. They include many native trees, grasses and flowers. They also include some introduced invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. Such troublesome plants are the focus of control regimes.

Click the "Plants" button for a list of Plant Species at Broad Oak Nature Reserve.


sulphur tuft fungi



Fungi
In planning conservation activities, it is recognised that non-action is often as important as action. Where possible, old trees and dead and dying wood are left untouched, as these often provides ideal habitat for fungi and other organisms. Fungi help to process dead plant and animal matter through decay. They provide a food source for many animals. Fungi are also of interest in their own right. At Broad Oak Nature Reserve, over 80 species of fungi have been identified.

Click the "Fungi" button for a list of Fungi Species found at Broad Oak Nature Reserve.