Local Wildlife
Find advice about local wildlife and information on species in Nottinghamshire.
Badgers
The badger is a handsome wild animal with a distinctive appearance and yet, because it is a nocturnal animal, very few people have ever seen one.
Bats
Bats are the subject of countless myths and mistaken beliefs, and have acquired a sinister reputation which is quite undeserved.
Foxes
Against all odds foxes have maintained their numbers. Their adaptability has ensured their success, as they take as readily to city living as to a rural lifestyle.
Frogs and Toads
Frogs and toads have come under a number of threats in recent years. Many of their usual breeding places are disappearing, as ponds become filled in or polluted because of housing development or intensive agriculture.
Find out more about Frogs and Toads
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are probably our most familiar garden mammals, common in city parks and gardens as well as the countryside across Britain. They are very useful to the gardener, as they eat many garden pests.
Kestrels
The kestrel is one of our smallest but most common birds of prey. It can often be seen hovering above motorway verges and even nesting in the middle of our cities.
Newts
Three species of newt are native to Britain – the great crested, smooth and palmate. All occur naturally in Nottinghamshire, although palmate are rare and currently known at only one site.
Otters
The inquisitive, playful otter is one of Britain’s best known and well loved wild animals. Up until the 1970’s otters were found throughout Britain
Sparrowhawks
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s sparrowhawk numbers fell dramatically. They were reduced by 50% in western Britain and were virtually wiped out in eastern areas. This was mainly due to the increased use of DDT, aldrin and dieldrin as agricultural pesticides.
Find out more about Sparrowhawks
Water Voles
Over the last 15 years the water vole has undergone one of the most catastrophic declines of a species ever witnessed in the U.K. Although they exist elsewhere in Europe, it is only in the UK where water voles are actually dependent on living by water.
Find out more about Water Voles
