Davy Down is home to an amazing variety of different life forms. Among these are:

· Water Voles
The ponds and wetland at Davy Down and the surrounding reaches of the Mardyke are particularly good areas to see Water Voles. By sitting quietly and observing the banks and open water you will usually be rewarded with a sighting of this increasingly threatened mammal going about its business. Consequently, wildlife photographers wishing to photograph these appealing animals at close quarters often come to Davy Down. The Water Voles live in burrows dug into the banks at the waters edge. They feed on vegetation, consuming 80% of their body weight in plant matter every day. Water Voles reach approximately 30cm in length, of which the tail is slightly less than half, and can be recognized by their rich brown coat, blunt nose and small ears.

· Marsh Frogs
If you were wondering what the loud chuckling / quacking noise coming from the direction of the pond or river is the answer is marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda).

Marsh Frogs come from countries in Europe such as France and are not native to the UK. They were illegally introduced to the river and ponds by a local resident. They are the largest European frog and can reach nearly 13cm (5 inches). They live in the water all year round and even hibernate at the bottom of ponds in the winter. To hear a marsh frog calling click here.

· Kingfishers
These beautiful birds can be seen around the pond and the river. You would think that they would be very easy to spot being so brightly coloured, but they are not. They are very shy and fly away at high speed as soon as they sense you approach. The best way to spot them is to settle by the river bank or stand on a bridge crossing the river and wait for one to zoom past as they travel up and down the river. Learn their call, which can be heard by clicking here, as it will warn you of their approach.