SWT Species Information |
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Here
you will find specific information on a number of species. Click the images to
link to further information. |
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SWT Species Information Key |
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Wildlife Information SheetGet the facts. |
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Practical Conservation TipsTips to help protect or encourage wildlife to your garden |
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National Biodiversity Action Plan Priority SpeciesThese species are important to the whole country and found in Sheffield |
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Sheffield Priority Species Biodiversity Action Plan.Plan for species that are particularly important in Sheffield. |
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Wild Web 2000 SurveyHelp us learn more about Sheffield's Wildlife |
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Bluebells
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The sight of a woodland floor awash with bluebells is one of the marvels of
spring. Sheffield is lucky to have more than its fair share of bluebells due to
the large area of woodland in the city. Although common in Britain, it is
relatively rare and threatened across Europe. This is the reason for its
inclusion in the Sheffield Biodiversity Action Plan.
Bluebell habitat: Semi natural ancient woodland |
Hedgehogs
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Hedgehogs are the loveable prickly creatures, found in woody habitat and suburban gardens, their taste for insect pests making them a welcome visitor. They are hibernating mammals, going to sleep for the winter under piles of logs and leaves. This is the reason that November bonfires should always be checked for hedgehogs before lighting. Hedgehog habitats; Gardens
and allotments |
Common Frog
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Common frogs are found in all sizes of ponds and other water bodies. They
hibernate in tussocky grass making wetlands ideal frog habitats. Although, as
their name suggests, they are still common in Britain, frogs are put at risk by
human activities such as pollution and large scale collection of frog spawn.
Frog habitats: Water
courses |
Great-crested Newts
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This rare amphibian lives on only two know sites in Sheffield. They breed
from as early as February till around June in Ponds with no fish and plenty of
insect food.
Newt habitats: Water
courses |
Bats
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Bats have declined massively over the last decade. They require good roosting sites such as old dead trees such as old dead trees close to a feeding site, teaming with insects, like a pond or a flowering meadow. |
Skylark
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Skylarks are ground nesting birds that are becoming uncommon across Britain.
They are found on arable land and rough grassland and favour some Bracken or
Gorse cover when nesting. They have declined due to the loss of traditionally
managed grasslands.
Sky lark habitats: Hay meadows and pasture |
Song Thrush
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The song thrush lives among the shrubs and hedges of gardens, woodland,
meadows and farmland, feeding mainly on ground dwelling invertebrates like worms
and snails. Populations of song thrush have fallen by 65% over the past 20
years. The reasons for this dramatic decline are not yet fully understood
although the destruction of hedgerows, increased use of pesticides which kill
slugs and snails, and land drainage have all played their part. Research has
shown recently that song thrushes are most vulnerable as young fledglings.
Song thrush habitats: Woodland |
The Red Admiral Butterfly
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Is a spring visitor to this country, migrating from Southern Europe. It is often
seen in gardens in the summer and autumn, very often clustering on buddleia to
feed. Its caterpillars are brown to black with spikes and yellow patches along
the body. They can be spotted around mid summer to mid autumn, feeding on
nettles.
Butterfly habitats: Gardens
and allotments |
Water Voles
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Water Voles have become
increasingly rare in the UK, there has been as much as a 94% in some
areas. This is due mostly to loss of habitat and the introduction of the
American mink.
Water vole habitats: Water courses |
Dragonflies
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Common around all well stocked and
reasonably clean ponds and rivers the bright colours of dragonflies are a familiar
sight. Dragonflies have been around since the dinosaurs and according to
research by NASA they can't theoretically fly. Proof perhaps that the old
designs can often be the best.
Dragonfly habitats: Wetlands |
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