THE WILDLIFE OF BENFIELD VALLEY
Calling Benfield their home...
With multiple habitats, it is not surprising that wildlife is abundant here. Some of the species found at this site are under threat or protected. This includes birds, such as the Redwing and other red-listed species (House sparrow and Song thrush) and amber-listed species (Dunnock and Tawny owl).
Birds are not the only vulnerable or protected species here. Pipistrelle bats swoop around the treelines, and hazel dormice, badgers, and hedgehogs are detected rummaging in the undergrowth.
Not only this but the reserve is also home to several other species as well.
Benfield Valley buzzes with bees, butterflies, and birdsong in the warmer months. Butterflies like the Common blue, Brimstone, and Speckled wood dart around the reserve. Birds sing from the trees, lizards bask in the sunlight, and foxes and bank voles emerge from the vegetation. Wasp spiders and grasshoppers take advantage of the grassland sward, spinning webs and chirping throughout summer.
Even during the winter months, there is plenty of wildlife and colour to be found. Fantastic fungi like Velvet shank sprout from the bark of trees, Jelly ears, and Turkey tails erupting from fallen deadwood. Winter migrant and resident birds like the Blackbird and Robin provide a winter chorus.
To see images of all of these wonderful creatures, please go to the gallery page.