A Wildlife Haven

by Jean Armstrong

Woodland, heathland, plenty of open green space: the potential of Parkwood for wildlife is enormous. So many different species of trees: English oak, sweet chestnut and horse chestnut, rowan, alder and many more. Around 284 different insects live in English oaks alone, and the valuable habitat they provide gives food and shelter to many other creatures, such as squirrels, blue tits, robins and blackbirds. Many species of butterflies and moths fly around these trees.

Little Pear Tree Field, the nature reserve at the entrance to Parkwood Springs is the breeding ground of the elephant hawk moth, and many birds nest there, too: blackbird, dunnock, blue and great tits, greenfinch and the lesser whitethroat, a special summer visitor. The heather and brambles provide homes for many creatures, like hedgehogs, rabbits, foxes and wood mice.

Parkwood Springs is a place for all times and all seasons. One winter afternoon I recorded twenty different species of birds there, including the redwing, a rare winter visitor. The summer visitors arrive in springtime to build their nests and rear their young: blackcaps, garden warblers, chiff‐chaffs and will warblers. So any time is a good time to take a walk on the wild side of Parkwood Springs.