Several species of bat can be seen on warm summer evenings. Common and soprano pipistrelles are common by the water and in the woods, Daubenton’s bats feed just over the surface of the lake while noctules fly high over the trees. Brown long-eared bats are sometimes found hibernating on the site. There are regular bat walks in August where you can come and learn more about these elusive animals. Details can be found here – the ‘what’s on’ section allows you to download a leaflet of upcoming events.
Rabbits are abundant and likely to be seen anywhere, but perhaps the highest densities would be around the old golf course and on Mortimer’s Meadow, adjacent to Bader Way.
Foxes are known to breed in Lodge Wood, which is next to the Lea Farm GP lake and are regularly seen on the landfill, from the Ron Bryant hide.
Roe Deer breed locally and can often be seen from the hides at Lavell’s Lake or the Ron Bryant hide at Lea Farm GP.
Moles are not uncommon but their ‘mole hill’ diggings are more likely to be seen than the animals themselves.
Stoats and Weasels are still seen but less frequently than in the past. One theory is that they may have been displaced by the influx of unwelcome, larger American Mink.
Muntjac Deer can occasionally be seen around Lavell’s Lake and the car park field.
Occasional sightings of Badgers have been reported but these are nocturnal animals and only rarely seen.
Below is a gallery of the mammals it’s possible to encounter around Dinton Pastures and Lea Farm GP.