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Biodiversity
& Wildlife
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.
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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. |
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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.
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