MammalsMost UK mammals, such as badgers, stoats, shrews, squirrels, mice, weasels, hedgehogs, foxes, and voles, frequent woods for at least part of their time. However, some like dormice live in woods almost exclusively. BirdsMost broadleaved woods have an abundance of birds, with both resident, spring and summer visitors among them. Among them the obvious woodpeckers and owls but also song thrush, swallows, starlings and chaffinches. Insects and other invertebratesThe abundance of birdlife in broadleaved woods is a reflection of the wealth of insects and other invertebrates that favour this habitat. Oak in particular, supports the greatest number of insect species of all our native trees Reptiles and amphibiansWhen compared to most other European countries, the UK has relatively few reptiles and amphibians. Indeed, Ireland has no snakes at all, a fact which some people may find pleasing. But, there are a few species you may encounter in woods. Fungi and lichensMany people think fungi are plants but in fact, fungi are so unique they have been allocated a separate kingdom all of their own. Lichens are another unique group of species, often found in woods and on trees. |