Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The acid grassland includes both dry and damp areas. These support numerous uncommon plants, including upright chickweed, blinks and subterranean clover. The great many ancient pollarded oaks on the site are of immense historical and ecological importance. The standing and fallen dead wood supports a complex interwoven community of fungi (over 250 species recorded), insects, birds and other animals. The beetles are of particular importance, with over 1350 species known to occur here. Probably the most familiar of these is the stag beetle, of which there is a very strong population. The trees themselves shelter many birds - in fact, 144 species of birds have been noted over the last decade. Those breeding in the park include kestrel, hobby, sparrowhawk, tawny and little owls, the three British woodpeckers and woodcock. There are over 525 species of moth, including the uncommon double-line and one of our largest, the emperor. Butterflies include purple hairstreak, small heath, meadow brown and three species of skipper.The ponds, ditches and the Beverley Brook support many locally uncommon plants, including ivy-leaved crowfoot. They are also home to a range of waterfowl and an extremely diverse insect population. Bitterns are now regular on Pen Ponds in winter.The adjacent commons and golf courses provide additional areas of acid grassland and regenerated woodland.

Facilities

Information (including educational facilities at Holly Lodge for those with special needs); car parking; toilets (including some with disabled access); nature trails; playground; cafe; refreshments; horse riding; cyclingwalking track around the park.