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THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1990


Stoat Mustela erminea
The late G. Davidson encountered a Stoat in ermine on 11th March 1990, though a locality seems to be unavailable. There are few similar records from more recent years.

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1993 


Steve Hiner

Common Shrew Sorex araneus

 

12th April                    1 found dead on Canal Tow Path (SH)

 

 

 

Mole Talpa europaea


Molehills regularly appear along the old abandoned trams, indicating the presence of this species.

03rd April                   1 found dead on the Canal Tow Path (PCR)

 

 

 

Bat spp.

 

19th June                     3 feeding over eastern boundary

 

03rd July                     1-3 feeding over Collis's Tram, possibly came from Woodpecker Corner. The species of bat was not identified, they were judged to be larger than Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula? (SH, WHP, BPW)

 

 

 

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

 

Occasional sightings from the vegetated areas of the Moors.

 

17th January    1 small, thin, probable male Red Fox on Fisons’ Road

 

18th January                1 in field east of Pony Bridge Wood, the animal was limping and seemed unable to run

 

04th April                    1 Canals

 

09th May                     1 west end of Rhododendron path

 

16th May                     1 cub west end of Rhododendron path, called back by yaps from the mother (SH)

 

23rd May                    1 hunting in field next to Inkle Moor Pond

 

27th May                     1 cub near entrance bridge, on west edge of moors

 

15th June                     2 Elmhirst Pump

 

18th July                     1 Pony Bridge Tram

 

 

 

Stoat Mustela erminea

 

04th April                    1 eastern edge of Pony Bridge Wood (SH)


15th April                    1 Rhododendron path (SH)

03rd May                    1 chasing Rabbit eastern edge of Pony Bridge Wood (SH)

 

 

 

Weasel Mustela nivalis


28th November           1 Green Belt (BPW)

1 additional sighting, details not received (ML)

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

General observations seem to indicate that Roe Deer numbers could be increasing. Deer are seen throughout the year, over a large area of the vegetated moors, but particularly in the vicinity of Will Pits Wood and Pony Bridge Marsh.

 

03rd January   2 Pony Bridge Wood ride, 1 large male in velvet on ‘pine tree tram’.

 

04th January    1 Crowle Moor edge in rough grass field

 

18th January    2 females west part of Pony Bridge Marsh

 

05th February  1 Inkle Moor

 

17th February  2 Inkle Moor

 

07th March                  2 Will Pits ride

 

19th March                  1 east of New Cut drain

 

04th April                    2 running from Paraffin area to Inkle Moor

 

11th April                    2 Elmhirst Wood

 

12th April                    2 Inkle Moor

 

02nd May                    1 Pony Bridge Wood ride

 

03rd May                    1 Elmhirst Wood, 1 Pony Bridge Wood ride

 

23rd May                    1 female along boundary drain near Creykes entrance

 

31 May                        1 eastern edge of Pony Bridge Wood

 

May and June, several sightings in the Will Pits area, including 2 females with young

 

29th August    2 Elmhirst Tram

 

05th September           2 Green Belt

 

09th September           2 Will Pits

 

-- September    1 female with 2 young near Will Pits

 

10th October   2 western edge of moors

 

06th December            1 Will Pits

 

20th December            1 male barking in Pony Bridge Wood

 

25th December            3 running from field edge to Paraffin area

 

 

 

Water Vole Arvicola terrestris

 

Regularly observed in the boundary ditches from Elmhirst gate northwards to Woodpecker Corner, Bell’s Pond and the entrance bridge. Also seen in the ditch along colliery public footpath, the Paraffin area boundary drain and Inkle Moor Pond. Within the moors, Water Voles have been seen on the southern boundary drain of southern Canals and on Angle Drain (1 found dead here on 5th September). Six sheet-pile dams were erected in the boundary ditch in February and June 1993, which has led to an increase in the water levels, and this appears to have been beneficial to the Water Vole population.

 

 

 

Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus

26th April                    1 Inkle Moor Pond (WHP)

06th December            1 Paraffin area (SH)

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus capensis

 

Sightings throughout the year, particularly from the ‘Middle Moor’ area.

 

04th January    1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

11th January    1 northern edge of Pony Bridge Marsh

 

28th February  1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

07th March                  2 Alder thicket, 1 Will Pits

 

04th April                    1 Shoulder of Mutton, 1 Will Pits

 

02nd May                    1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

03rd May                    2 Will Pits, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

23rd May                    1 Goole Moor

 

31st May                     1 Snaith and Cowick Moors, 1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

06th June                     1 in field east of moors

 

20th June                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ Tram

 

24th July                     1 Elmhirst tram, 1 Nightjar Corner

 

29th August    1 ‘Middle Moor’ Tram from peat stack

 

09th September           1 Alders

 

03rd October   1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

07th October   1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

16th October   1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

15th November           1 ‘Middle Moor’ Tram

 

29th December            3 ‘Middle Moor’

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus


Observed around the edges of the moors, particularly around Elmhirst Pump and the eastern side of Pony Bridge Wood and Marsh. Also seen along the railway line in the north east corner of the moors. 

03rd May                    1 chased by Stoat on eastern edge of Pony Bridge Wood. (SH)

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, William H. Priestley, Janet Roworth, Peter C. Roworth and Bryan P. Wainwright.

 

 

 

 


THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1994

Steve Hiner

 

Hedgehog Erinaceum europaeus

 

A new record for the moors this species could easily establish itself, especially in the warped woodland of Will Pits.

 

23rd September           1 walking across Fisons’ Road in Will Pits Wood (PCR et al)

 

 

 

Common Shrew Sorex araneus


Usually heard more than seen. Probably a bigger population on the moors of this species than is indicated by the few records received, as they are very elusive.

01st May                     7 making a lot of noise and chasing each other round and round in wet area near Collis’s Tram (SH)

 

04th May                     4 Bell's Pond (SH)

 

03rd July                     1 adult, 2 young, dead in insect pit fall traps in Bell's Wood (BPW)

 

05th July                     1 dead in pit fall trap, 1 squashed flat both in Bell's Wood (BPW)

 

07th July                     2 young dead in pit fall traps, Bell's Wood (BPW)

 

08th July                     3 dead in pit fall traps, Bell's Wood (BPW)

 

24th August        1 dead on moors side of boundary drain from Bell's Wood (SH)

 

12th October   1 dead in Will Pits (SH)

 

11th November           2 Elmhirst area (SH)

 

 

 

Mole Tulpa europaea

 

Molehills and dead individuals confirm the presence of this species even on the actual peat moors on the old trams.

 

04th July                     2, both dead in Bell's Wood (BPW)


05th July                     1 dead, along boundary drain leading up to Woodpecker Corner from Bell's Wood (SH)

Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus

 

No actual work done yet with a bat detector so not many records as yet.

 

17th June                     2 ‘Middle Moor’, 1 watch tower (SH)

 

18th June                     1 Collis’s Tram, 1 Mill Drain Marsh (BPW)

 

25th September           1 Inkle Moor (BPW)

 

 

 

Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula


Again, more work with bat detector needed for more information.

17th June                     1 large bat flew over Mill Drain Marsh peat stack at midnight, probably this species (SH)

 

 


Red Fox Vulpes vulpes
Seen occasionally around moor even though surrounding farmers and shooting clubs keep numbers down. About the same amount of sightings as last year.

22nd January               1 probable Red Fox obscured by small birch scrub east of Thousand Acre Drain (BPW)

 

29th January                1 ran from fields near Paraffin area into Alders, 1 Shearburn and Pitts Drain (BPW)

 

30th January    1 near Alders (SH)

 

27th February  1 Crowle Moors (SH)

 

02nd April                   1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW), 1 Area Drain Marsh (WHP)

 

15th May                     1 eating Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus egg on Crowle Moors reserve (SH)

 

28th May                     1 Green Belt (WHP)

 

10th June                     1 barking after dark, while on guides walk with Rotherham ornithologists  (SH)

 

15th June                     1 near Will Pits Scrape, edge of Will Pits (PCR et al)

 

16th June                     1 on Crowle Moors (PCR et al)

 

11th July                     1 seen on dry ground in the flooded area near Will Pits Scrape - after chicks? (PCR et al)

 

01st September           1 near Canal 7 on Southern Canals (PCR et al)

 

03rd November           1 crossed track near Top Moor Farm (PCR et al)

 

10th December            1 Will Pits (BPW)

 

18th December            1 area drain marsh (WHP)

 

 

 

Stoat Mustela erminea

 

Another species which has retained a steady population with the same amount of sightings as last year.

 

17th February      1 seen running across ice over Angle Drain where it crosses ‘Middle Moor’ Tram (PCR et al)

 

09th April                    1 Will Pits the large size indicated male (BPW)

 

06th May                     1 near Thousand Acre Drain/Angle Drain junction (PCR et al)

 

25th September   1 near Mill Drain Marsh peat stack. Again the large size indicated male (BPW)

 

24th November           1 crossing track and railway near Top Moor Farm (PCR et al)

 

 


Weasel Mustela nivalis
More sightings of this species than last year. This could, however, be due to the better coverage of the moors this year and not an actual increase.

30th January                1 with small vole in its mouth running along eastern edge of Paraffin area (SH)

 

27th February  1 running along path east of Paraffin area (SH)

 

01st April                    1 Canal Tow Path, small size indicated female (BPW)

 

09th April                    1 Bell’s (BPW), 1 Paraffin area (WHP)

 

30th April                    1 Bell's Pond (WHP, BPW)

 

 

 

American Mink Mustela lutreola

 

First record for this species on the moors. Escapee from a fur farm which has found its way here along the many water courses in the area.


22nd January   1 running along a bank at Inkle Moor (WHP)

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

Not usually sighted on Thorne Moors so two very good records this year. It is probable that these deer are escapees from a local deer farm.

 

17th September   Four were seen in a cutting in tall scrub area to the west of Pony Bridge Wood. Good views of a female and an adult male (good set of antlers) and 2 yearling males (20 cm single spikes) (JR, GR)

 

About a fortnight later JR had a fleeting view of a small group of large deer running

 

down a track and disappearing into thick cover.  This was west of the first sighting.

 

 


Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

Yet again the Roe Deer population on the moors seems to be increasing gradually.  Will Pits, Crowle Moors, Pony Bridge Wood and the Green Belt seem to be the best areas to see them, although there is no part of the moors where either they or their tracks have not been seen.

 

09th January                4 eastern boundary of the Southern Canals (BPW, SH), 1 Crowle Moor (SH)

 

22nd January   2 Will Pits, 1 Angle Drain (BPW)

 

24th January    2 Paraffin area (BPW)

 

29th January    2 ran from Inkle Moor to Paraffin area (BPW)

 

30th January    1 Crowle Moors, 1 Will Pits (SH)

 

31st January    3 Inkle Moor, 1 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

05th February      1 on Swinefleet Warping Drain track near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

08th February              3 on Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain, 2 on Crowle side (PCR et al)

 

27th February  8 ran from Green Belt to Paraffin area (SH)

 

03rd March                 4 on Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain, 2 on Crowle side (PCR et al)

 

06th March                  2 on Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al), 1 Alders, 1 female Will Pits (BPW)

 

12th March                  1 Shoulder o’ Mutton (WHP)


18th March                  1 Southern Canals (WHP)

19th March                  3 in Will Pits (PCR  et al)

 

22nd March     3 in Will Pits (PCR et al)

 

24th March                  2 ran from Bell’s to Woodpecker Corner (SH)


01st April                    1 Inkle Moor (BPW)
02nd April                   5 Will Pits (WHP, BPW)

03rd April                   2 Goole Moor (BPW)


07th April                    2 Will Pits (BPW)

08th April                    1 swam across Swinefleet Warping Drain to Crowle Moor (SH)

 

09th April                    4 in fields near Woodpecker Corner, 2 Southern Canals (WHP), 2 Will Pits (BPW)

 

11th April                    2 on Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al)

 

16th April                    1 Inkle Moor (WHP), 1 Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al)

 

21st April                    1 seen running down field edge of Crowle Moor (PCR et al)


27th April                    3 in Will Pits (PCR et al)
30th April                    1 ‘Middle Moor’, 2 edge of farmland and Crowle Moors, 2 on Crowle side of Swinefleet Warping Drain and 1 on Will Pits side (PCR et al) 1 male Will Pits ran to ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

01st May                     1 Will Pits (PCR et al), 1 male Will Pits Scrape(SH)

 

02nd May                    2 male ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

08th May                     1 Goole Moor (BPW), 1 Southern Canals (SH)

 

10th May                     1 Will Pits (SH)

 

11th May                     1 watch tower, 2 junction of Angle Drain and Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al)

 

12th May                     3 in rough grass area in Will Pits near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

14th May                     1 Pony Bridge Marsh (BPW)

 

15th May                     1 Limberlost Wood, 1 Will Pits (SH)

 

19th May                     1 in rough grass area in Will Pits near watch tower (PCR et al), 2 Will Pits (BPW)

 

24th May                     1 in rough grass area in Will Pits near watch tower (PCR et al), 2 Will Pits (BPW)

 

28th May                     1 in rough grass area in Will Pits near watch tower (PCR et al), 2 Will Pits (BPW), 1 Southern Canals (WHP), 1 near English Nature sheds Will Pits Scrape, 1 Collis Tram (PCR  et al)

 

01st June                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW), 1 Fisons’ Road (PCR et al)

 

12th June                     1 adult with 1 young in rough grass area in Will Pits (PCR et al)

 

15th June                     1 adult in rough grass area in Will Pits, 1 adult and 2 young on Elmhirst Tram (PCR et al)

 

16th June                     2 adults in field on eastern edge of Crowle Moors (PCR et al)

 

17th June                     1 Pony Bridge Tram area, 1 Will Pits Scrape (SH)

 

20th June                     1 at Angle Drain/Thousand Acre Drain junction, 1 watch tower (PCR et al)

 

25th June                     1 adult with 2 young Southern Canals (WHP)

 

26th June                     1 adult with 1 young near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

07th July                     1 male Green Belt (BPW)

 

08th July                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

09th July                     1 watch tower (PCR et al)

 

11th July                     1 Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

15th July                     2 young, eastern boundary of Southern Canals (WHP)

 

17th July                     1 near Angle Drain/’Middle Moor’ Tram junction (PCR et al)

 

27th July                     2 young near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

28th July                     1 adult and 1 young near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

01st August     3 young near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

02nd August   1 near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

14th August    1 Limberlost Wood (SH)


16th August        1 watch tower, 1 Canal Tow Path of Southern Canals (PCR et al)

16th September           1 on track Will Pits side of Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al)

 

17th September   2 crossing Pony Bridge Wood track, 2 young near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

18th September           5 Shoulder o’ Mutton (BPW)

 

24th September           2 Will Pits (BPW)

 

25th September           1 area drain (BPW), 3 Will Pits (SH)

 

27th September           4 near Fisons’ Road/ Swinefleet Warping Drain junction (PCR et al)

 

01st October   2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

21st October   2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

03rd November           3 on track near Will Pits (PCR et al)

 

11th November           1 Woodpecker Corner (SH)

 

18th November           3 Collis’s Tram area (SH)

 

27th November           1 Green Belt (SH)

 

19th December            1 Angle Drain (BPW)

 

16th December            1 Paraffin area (BPW)

 

18th December            1 near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

 

 

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis


Not a very common species on the moors, but could easily increase in places such as Will Pits and Pony Bridge Wood.

12th October   1 in Will Pits, in willow tree just off Fisons’ Road (SH)

 

25th December            1 ran across ride near Shearburn and Pitts Drain in Will Pits (BPW)

 

 

 

Water Vole Arvicola terrestris


Increasing in numbers all the time. The main observation being that many are now seen on the actual moors in drains and flooded areas as well as the boundary drain.

24th January    1 colliery public footpath (BPW)

 

27th February  1 Paraffin area, 1 Mill Drain, 1 Crowle Moor Reserve (SH)

 

14th March                  1 colliery public footpath dyke (BPW)

 

22nd March     1 Mill Drain Marsh (WHP)

 

27th March                  1 Paraffin area boundary drain (SH)

 

07th April                    3 Swinefleet Warping Drain (1 feeding on Bulrush Typha latifolia) (BPW)


26th April                    1 Paraffin area boundary drain (SH)

28th April                    1 brick bridge (SH)

 

30th April                    2 Inkle Moor (BPW), 1 Paraffin area boundary drain (WHP)

 

01st May                     1 Swinefleet Warping Drain (SH)

 

08th May                     1 Paraffin area boundary drain (BPW)

 

14th May                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (SH)

 

15th May                     1 colliery public footpath dyke (BPW)

 

29th May                     1 Swinefleet Warping Drain (SH)

 

12th June                     1 Mill Drain (SH)

 

03rd July                     1 Bell's Pond (BPW)

 

04th July                     1 Bell's Pond (BPW)

 

05th July                     2 boundary drain at back of Bell's Wood (SH)

 

31st July                      1 Bell's Pond (BPW)

 

14th August    6 Mill Drain, 1 dead, ‘Middle Moor’ (SH)

 

29th August    1 Bell's Pond (SH)

 

04th September           1 Paraffin area boundary drain (SH)

 

11th September           1 Bell's Pond, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh (BPW)

 

18th September           1 Angle Drain (SH)

 

24th September           1 Bell's Pond (BPW)

 

01st October   1 Mill Drain (BPW)

 

08th October   3 Mill Drain, 3 Northern Canals (SH)

 

10th October   1 entrance bridge (SH)

 

12th October   2 Mill Drain Marsh (SH)

 

14th October   1 entrance bridge, 1 Bell's Pond (SH)

 

11th November           1 near Collis’s Tram, 1 Canal Tow Path of Southern Canals (SH)

 

19th November           1 Angle Drain (BPW)

 

27th November           2 Paraffin area boundary drain, 1 Bell's Pond (SH)

 

Also seen in the drain that extends east from the south boundary drain, also the flooded area on ‘Middle Moor’ (PCR et al)

 

 

 

Field Vole Microtus agrestis

 

A species which is probably more common around the edges of the moor, but is very elusive as the records suggest.

 

22nd January   1 on track along field to Inkle Moor (BPW)

 

08th May                     1 boundary drain side at back of Bell's Wood (SH)

 

 

 

Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus

 

No live records and no tracks or signs indicating this species on the actual moors, possibly occurs round the edges.

 

27th March                  1 found dead on the Green Belt, no visible marks, possible Adder Vipera berus kill (SH)

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus capensis

 

This species certainly seems to be increasing steadily with the best places to see it being Pony Bridge Marsh, ‘Middle Moor’ and Will Pits Scrape. They are often seen running along the peat baulks among these open areas of moorland.

 

09th January    1 Shoulder o’ Mutton (SH)

 

22nd January   1 among peat stacks (WHP) 1 Alders (BPW)

 

24th January    1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

31st January    1 near Alders (BPW)

 

05th February  1 running towards Will Pits from ‘Middle Moor’ (PCR et al)

 

06th March                  1 running along Thousand Acre Drain towards Pony Bridge Wood (PCR et al), 1 Alders, 1 Shoulder o’ Mutton (BPW)

 

12th March          2 ‘Middle Moor’ peat stack (WHP), 1 Paraffin area, 2 Will Pits (BPW)

 

27th March                  1 Paraffin area (BPW)

 

02nd April                   2 Mill Drain peat stack (WHP), 2 Alders, 1 Shoulder o’ Mutton (BPW)

 

03rd April                   1 Rawcliffe Moor, 1 Goole Moor (BPW)

 

05th April                    1 Will Pits Scrape (SH)

 

06th April                    1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

07th April                    1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

09th April                    1 Mill Drain peat stack (WHP), 1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

30th April                    1 on track near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al), 1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

02nd May                    2 males boxed briefly then ran off in opposite directions, ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

07th May                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

08th May                     1 Snaith and Cowick Moor (BPW)

 

10th May                     1 Top Moor Farm (SH)

 

12th May                     1 Cassuns Gardens (WHP)

 

13th May             2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW), 2 track near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

14th May                     2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

15th May                     2 Will Pits Scrape (SH), 1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

19th May                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW), 1 eastern boundary of Southern Canals (SH)

 

28th May                     1 Mill Drain peat stack (WHP)

 

15th June             1 near watch tower, 1 in Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 on track through ‘Middle Moor’ (PCR et al)

 

17th June                     1 near watch tower, 1 Will Pits Scrape (SH)

 

18th June                     2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

20th June                     1 on grass area east of Pony Bridge Marsh, 2 along Angle Drain track PCR (et al)

 

26th June                     1 near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

08th July                     1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

09th July                     1 on Angle Drain track (PCR et al), 1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

17th July                     1 Will Pits Scrape (SH), 1 on eastern boundary of Southern Canals, 1 on Pony Bridge Tram (PCR et al)

 

03rd August    2 near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

17th August    1 near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

28th August    2 near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

29th August    3 Creykes entrance (SH)

 

11th September           1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

16th September           2 near Will Pits Scrape (PCR et al)

 

17th September           1 near watch tower (PCR et al)

 

18th September           2 Shoulder o’ Mutton, 1 Will Pits (BPW)

 

24th September           2 Shoulder o’ Mutton (BPW)

 

25th September           2 Shoulder o’ Mutton, 2 Pony Bridge Marsh (SH)

 

08th October   1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

09th October   1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

12th October   1 Fisons’ Road (SH)

 

15th October   2 on grass area east of Pony Bridge Marsh (PCR et al)

 

21/22nd October         1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

23rd October   1 Green Belt (SH)

 

04th December            1 flooded workings (BPW)

 

10th December            2 Shoulder o’ Mutton (BPW)

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

 

Very common around the edges of the moor, particularly the eastern edge of Pony Bridge Wood, Elmhirst Pump and the colliery tip/Bell's Pond area. There have been no records of any rabbits suffering with myxomatosis.


06th March                  1 Bell's Pond area (SH)

01st April                    1 Alders (BPW)

 

09th April                    1 Pony Bridge Wood (BPW), 1 Bell's Pond area (WHP)

 

02nd May                    4 Pony Bridge Wood (BPW)

 

15th May                     1 Will Pits Scrape (SH)

 

29th May                     2 Elmhirst Pump (SH)

 

17th July                     1 Elmhirst Tram (SH)

 

29th August    2 Pony Bridge Wood (SH)

 

11th September           1 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

18th September           1 Will Pits (BPW)

 

25th September           2 Elmhirst Pump (SH)

 

09th October   2 ‘Middle Moor’ (BPW)

 

12th October   2 Bell's Pond area (SH)

 

Also seen throughout the year from the track alongside Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR et al).

 

 


List of Observers

Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, William H. Priestley, George Roworth, Janet Roworth, Peter C. Roworth and Bryan P. Wainwright.

 

 

 

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1995

 

Bryan P. Wainwright

 

Although some common species do not have as many records as last year, this is not a reflection on their status, and is more likely to be under recording.

 

 


Western Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Very seldom seen anywhere on the moors.

May                             1 long dead east end of Pony Bridge Tram (PCR, BPW)

 

 

 

Common Shrew Sorex araneus

 

Common on the moor’s edges, more often heard than seen.

 

15th January    1 on track between Rhododendron path and Mill Drain (SH)

 

 


Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus
Avoids woodland, as around the moor’s edges but probably not uncommon in good ground cover that it favours in the interior of the moors.

14th October   1 dead Green Belt (BPW)

 

mid November            1 dead Will Pits (ML)

 

30th December            1 alive Canal Tow Path caught and measured (BPW)

 

 


Mole Talapa europaea

Molehills are evident around the moors, especially in and around woodlands such as Will Pits and Pony Bridge Wood.

 

 

 

Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus

 

Although Brandts Bat Myotis brandtii cannot be entirely ruled out without more information, it unlike Common Pipistrelle has never been officially recorded on the moors. Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii although rare in this country, may with more research prove to be commoner than once believed.

 

07th July                     1 Woodpecker Corner (BPW)

 

 

 

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

 

Occasionally seen, especially in winter along tracks with nearby cover. Numbers fluctuate due to persecution.

 

23rd April                   1 Pony Bridge thicket near bee hives

 

03rd May                    1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

20th June                     1

 

12th July                     1 Will Pits

 

13th July                     1

 

29th July                     2 Goole moor near Blackwater Dyke

 

20th August                2 Fisons’ Road alongside Swinefleet Warping Drain, they walked straight between 3 unconcerned Roe Deer

 

16th September           1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

31st October   1 Will Pits

 

24th December            1 Will Pits

 

25th December            1 field between colliery area and Inkle Moor

 

27th December            5, 1 Elmhirst, 1 Limberlost Tram, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh, 2 Will Pits

 

 


Stoat Mustela erminea

02nd January   1 ran across ice on drain at Paraffin area (SH)

 

12th February  1 Canal Tow Path (SH)

 

21st April                    1 crossing path at Angle Drain/’Middle Moor’ (PCR & family)

 

03rd May                    1 Mill Drain Marsh (WHP)

 

18th May                     2 running along track edge near Angle Drain (PCR & family)

 

28th September           2 Paraffin area (WHP)

 

 


Weasel Mustela nivalis
18th January    1 ran over Limberlost Tram to water then back (BPW)
-- November    1 Shoulder o’ Mutton (ML)

 

 

Badger Meles meles

 

Three setts were known to be occupied on and around Thorne Moors in 1989, one sett was destroyed illegally in 1995, along with its Badgers, by the Swinefleet & Reedness Internal Drainage Board. Information withheld from publication.

 

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

Rare sightings of this mammal in recent years, they are of captive origin.

 

early April                   2 males with full antlers edge of Will Pits (TE)

 

18th May                     3 females ‘Middle Moor’ Tram (PCR & family)

 

19th August                1 not quite full adult male seen in fog east of Mill Drain Marsh, with antlers approximately 60 cm

 

23rd November   1 male, 4 females Shoulder o’ Mutton, 1 female had a green ear tag

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

Frequently seen in and around woodland and in birch scrub areas. These deer are doing well and are probably on the increase, as records seem to show.

 

01st January    6 Will Pits

 

02nd January   2 Angle Drain

 

15th January    2 Elmhirst

 

29th January    6 Will Pits

 

03rd February 2 Green Belt

 

04th February  1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

11th February  1 Inkle Moor

 

25th March                  1 Inkle Moor

 

23rd April                   1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

27th April                    1 Inkle Moor

 

30th April                    4, 1 ‘Middle Moor’, 1 Will Pits Scrape, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

05th May             6, 2 Inkle Moor Pond, 1 Mill Drain, 1 Limberlost Tram, 1 Rhododoendron path, 1 Will Pits

 

07th May                     1 second year male Paraffin area

 

08th May                     2, 1 Mill Drain, 1 Limberlost Tram

 

14th May                     2, 1 Collis’s Tram, 1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

21st May                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

03rd June                    2 colliery area

 

18th June                     1 Northern Canals

 

07th July                     2 south western edge of the moors

 

12th July                     1 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

09th August    3 Southern Canals

 

19th August    3 Southern Canals

 

20th August                16, 1 ‘Middle Moor’, 15 near Will Pits wood (Levington security staff)

 

03rd September           3 colliery area

 

05th September           1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

16th September           1 male Will Pits

 

08th October   7, 5 Rhododoendron path, 1 Will Pits, 1 Woodpecker Corner

 

22nd October  3 near Paraffin area

 

07th November           1 Elmhirst

 

12th November           2, 1 male Elmhirst Tram, 1 male Will Pits

 

25th November           2 Inkle Moor

 

26th November           5, 3 Snaith & Cowick Moor, 2 Northern Goole Moor

 

03rd December           1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

26th December    4 colliery area

 

27th December    8, 2 Thorne Waste Drain, 1 colliery area, 3 Will Pits, 2 Mill Drain Marsh

 

 

 

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

 

21nd October  1 colliery spoil tip (RJS, BPW)

 

09th November           1 Woodpecker Corner (WHP)

 

25th November           1 Woodpecker Corner (BPW)

 

27th December            1 Woodpecker Corner (ML)

 

 

 

Water Vole Arviola terrestris

 

Plenty of records of this nationally fast declining species up until August; see chart; but not a single record since. The drought may be to blame, but it is interesting to note that at some of its favoured haunts, the pit dykes and Bell’s area, water level has remained more or less constant throughout this period. Other factors can only be guessed at and include the large fires, mink or a bad breeding season. Water Voles are very short-lived animals in the wild (less than six months average) and do not re-colonise isolated areas easily.

 

18th January    1 southern edge

 

03rd February 3, 1 southern edge, 1 ‘‘Middle Moor’’, 1 south western edge

 

24th February 2, 1 ‘Middle Moor’, 1 Canal Tow Path

 

26th February 1 colliery area

 

12th March      3, 1 Elmhirst, 2 south western edge

 

25th March      2 Paraffin area

 

31st March      4 colliery area

 

01st April                    1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

14th April                    2 Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

19th April                    1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

29th April                    2 Mill Drain

 

30th April                    3 no area given

 

14th May                     1 colliery area

 

30th May                     1 colliery area

 

15th July                     1 colliery area

 

20th August    1 colliery area

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus campensis

 

Arable fields around the north and west sides of the moors are favoured as are barer areas of the moors. In January there were four on 1st, one on 7th, two on 15th, two on 28th. In February, two on 12th and for March no records, while in April, one on 29th and five on 30th and for May two on 5th and one on 8th. During June and July no records and one on 20th August. In September, one on 16th and 23rd, with no records for October and in November, one on 12th, one on 18th and three on 19th, with no records for December.

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus coniculus

 

Common and widespread, particularly numerous in woodlands. One on 1st January, one on 7th and 9th and two on 5th February, in March no records. In April, one juvenile on 23rd, and one on 30th. One on 5th, 7th, and 14th May and 5 on 24th and one on 3rd June and no records for July. There were six on 20th August then in September, four on 10, and singles on 23rd, 28th and 30th. There were no records for October and November, then one on 2nd December.

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Trevor Edwards, John G. Hitchcock, Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, William H. Priestley, George Henry Janet M. Roworth, Peter C. Roworth, Richard J. Sprakes, Bryan P. Wainwright and Levington staff.

 

 

 

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1996
Bryan P. Wainwright


Hedgehog Erinaceus euroaeus

A rare and seldom seen species.

 

27th April                    1 dead on colliery tip (WHP)

 

26th September           1 road by Swinefleet Warping Drain at Will Pits (ML)

 

 

 

Common Shrew Sorex araneus

 

No records but common around moor edges.

 

 

 

Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus

 

The commoner shrew of the more open areas of the moors interior. Best told from Common by longer tail (75% of body length).

 

31st August     1 dead Collis’s Tram (BPW)

 

17th November           1 dead ‘Middle Moor’ track (BPW)

 

 

 

 

 

Mole Talapa europaea

 

Molehills are evident in many areas of the moors, but are more frequent around the moor edges especially near woodlands.

 

31st August     1 dead on road at Will Pits (RJS, BPW)

 

 

 

Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula

 

Britains largest bat, uncommon on moors.

 

31st August     1 Moorends Recreation Ground, late evening (RJS, BPW)

 

 


Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

Common and mainly seen early mornings or evenings. Some people do not record their Red Fox sightings, so this is only a partial chronology.

 

28th January    1 Inkle Moor to Bell’s, 3 together fields at Inkle Moor and Paraffin

 

cuttings area, 1 fields near Alder thickets, 1 Will Pits

 

10th March                  1 Green Belt, 1 Will Pits

 

13th March                  2 Will Pits

 

30th March                  1 fields at Woodpecker Corner

 

05th May                     1 Will Pits

 

24th May                     1 Will Pits

 

26th May                     1 South Fields

 

07th June                     1 Will Pits

 

09th June                     2 Will Pits, an adult and then later a cub

 

13th July                     1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

05th August    1 Bell’s area

 

26th August    1

 

01st September           1 pit road to Inkle Moor

 

07th September           1 Woodpecker Corner, 1 ‘Middle Moor’ Tram

 

14th September           1 Woodpecker Corner, 1 ‘Middle Moor’/Pony Bridge Marsh


28th September           1 Will Pits, after Common Pheasants Phasianus colchicus

11th October   1 Will Pits

 

23rd November           1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

 


Stoat Mustela erminea

Mostly encountered near the moor edges, where the main Rabbit populations are to be found.

 

28th January    1 near Bell’s

 

10th March                  1 Rhododendron path, 1 south Side of Pony Bridge Wood with prey

 

11th March                  1 in ermine was seen on the moors near Thorne colliery tip

 

(Godfrey Davidson)

 

28th April                    1 male good long views of this big individual

 

24th August    1 near metal bridge at Bell’s

 

02nd November          1 colliery tip


13th December    1 watched killing Rabbit on pit road (by a local walking his dog)

 


Weasel Mustela nivalis

A scarce species on moors, but with a stable population. Not fixed to areas with Rabbit populations like Stoat is, so can be encountered anywhere.

 

07th January    1 Inkle Moor

 

13th April                    1 Southern Canals

 

27th April                    1 Nightjar Corner

 

24th August    1 Moorends Recreation Ground

 

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

Many more records of this escapee this year, and breeding proven. The original deer were released from the deer farm at the Black Bull pub, on the A18, over two years ago, after a stag badly gored the owners horse. Some deer are also known to have escaped from the deer farm at Burghwallis near Skellow. Whether any of these deer turned up on the moors is unknown; some of them are now in Owston Wood however.

 

15th February  Fresh tracks ‘Middle Moor’

 

26th March                  3 male, 1 female road near Levington’s Mill

 

27th April                    1 male, 2 female Nightjar Corner

 

08th May                     2 Will Pits, seen at very close quarters, and one was a male

 

13th May                     1 male, 3 female Elmhirst near iron gate

 

23rd June                    2 male Pony Bridge Marsh

 

13th July                     1 male Mill Drain Marsh

 

03rd August        2 calves Green Belt area, still unsure on their feet and of the observer, they ran but turned back for another look (SH)

 

31st August         11 including two males, and at least three young Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

to Will Pits, 11.45 a.m. (RJS)

 

14th September           2 Will Pits ditch ride, one had green ear tag

 

26th September           3 male fields near Crowle Moor

 

06th October       2 male heard and seen rutting in Will Pits wood, 4.18am. 1 had excellent set of antlers, although the left side was noted to not be as

 

well developed as the right

 

13th October   1 or more heard

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

A healthy population of this frequently observed large mammal. They can be extremely calm in the presence of humans, as anyone who has had a magically close view will know! 

 

05th January    1 Southern Canals

 

07th January    2 Green Belt

 

21st January    2 Will Pits

 

28th January    3 Will Pits

 

31st January    2 fields near Bell’s

 

07th February  1 Will Pits

 

20th February 1 ‘Long Meadow’, Inkle Moor

 

10th March                  3 Will Pits, 1 Crowle Moor, 1 Alders

 

30th March                  2 south fields, 4 Goole Fields/Moor, and Green Belt

 

31st March                  2 Shoulder o’ Mutton, 2 fields at Inkle Moor, 3 Will Pits

 

05th April                    2 fields

 

07th April                    3 moors generally

 

15th April                    2 ‘Long Meadow’ Inkle Moor

 

20th April                    2 Paraffin area, 2 Crowle Moor, 1 Will Pits

 

21st April                    1 female Green Belt, 1 male Will Pits, 1 Goole Moor

 

26th April                    2 south fields, 2 south western edge, 2 Will Pits

 

28th April                    2 south half of moors

 

04th May                     1 Green Belt

 

05th May                     2 female Paraffin area

 

06th May                     1 stag Will Pits

 

13th May                     2 ‘Long Meadow’, Inkle Moor

 

19th May                     1 male Will Pits

 

06th June                     1 Will Pits

 

08th June                     1 female Southern Canals

 

09th June                     1 male (2 prongs) Elmhirst Tram, 1 Southern Canals

 

10th June                     1 female with 3 young Southern Canals, 1 male Will Pits Scrape

 

12th June                     1 male Pony Bridge Marsh

 

16th June                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

23rd June                    1 stag (full antlers) Pony Bridge Marsh

 

24th June                     1 male

 

20th July                     1 barking Pony Bridge Wood/Cassons Gardens

 

03rd August    3 New Cut Drain, 1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

04th August    1 male Green Belt, 3 Will Pits

 

10th August        1 male, 1 female who’s every move was shadowed by the attentive male, probably with a view to mating

 

17th August    1 male Bell’s, 1 female Mill Drain

 

25th August    1 male, 1 female Elmhirst gate

 

26th August    3, 2 female Crowle Moor road

 

27th August    1 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

01st September           1 female Elmhirst Tram

 

07th September           1 female, 1 fawn walked towards observer along Sherburn and Pitts

 

Drain, Will Pits, to as close as 2 males, then after a close sniff walked off, shortly followed by her still curious fawn (BPW)

 

08th September           1 female, 2 fawns Will Pits Scrape.  Very close views, but they were

 

quite nervous, unlike yesterday

 

14th September   1 female, 2 fawns Woodpecker Corner Tram, 1 ‘Middle Moor’ Tram

 

15th September           2 female Southern Canals

 

30th October   2 Nightjar Corner

 

13th November           1 female Southern Canals

 

22nd November          1 Paraffin area, 1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

23rd November           3 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

01st December            1 female Pony Bridge Marsh, 2 Crowle Moor, 2 Will Pits

 

13th December            2 fields near Paraffin

 

15th December    1 Angle Drain, 1 female Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 female ‘Middle Moor’

 

 

 

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

 

Status seems static for this species at the moment. The lack of favoured food trees means the moors has a low carrying capacity. Most records are in the autumn and early winter periods, suggesting dispersive movements after breeding season.

 

07th September           1 in moult (tail looked thin), field at Woodpecker Corner

 

03rd November   1 Woodpecker Corner, ran up tree next to observer and turned upside down on trunk at c3 m before running back down and away

 

29th December            1 in Elmhirst area

 

 

 

Water Vole Arviola terrestris


No real status change for this mammal this year, which in itself is good news since at least the drastic decline of 1995 seems to have eased. Interestingly Mink records were only received for 1994 just before the crash, but none since.

In 1994 there were 33 records for Water Vole, with many records for winter months; 16 in 1995 and 20 this year.

 

14th January    3 in Mill Drain

 

08th April                    1+ Mill Drain

 

14th April                    1 field drain near Paraffin area

 

21st April                    3 Paraffin area, 1 Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

28th April                    2 Mill Drain area

 

03rd May                    1 Mill Drain

 

12th May                     1 field drain near Paraffin area

 

19th May                     1 Paraffin area

 

16th June                     1 Bell’s boundary drain

 

23rd June                    1 south western edge drain

 

20th July                     1 colliery public footpath dyke

 

24th July                     1 drain near Will Pits Scrape

 

29th July                     1 New Mill Drain at Mill Drain Marsh

 

10th August    1 Bell’s brick bridge

 

25th August    1 colliery dyke, 1 steel entry bridge

 

31st August         1 carried by Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus until dropped at Will Pits Scrape, picked back up and taken to fields at south side of Crowle Moor where eaten (BPW)

 

01st September           1 colliery dyke

 

09th September           1 steel entry bridge

 

06th October   1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

11th October   1 Fisons’ Road drain in Will Pits

 

 

 

Field Vole Microtus agrestis

 

This species is not too common on the moor’s edges and seldom encountered, however Field Voles are prey of Common KestrelFalco tinnunculus, but identification should be made with caution, in these circumstances. The following were considered to be Field Voles on the good views obtained.

 

20th July                     1 dead carried by Common Kestrel from pit towards Bell’s

 

13th November           1 dead carried by Common Kestrel

 

 

 

Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus

 

No dates but evidently present at rubbish tips on the moors edges.

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus campensis

 

Not all sightings are recorded by some observers, sightings are however frequent and the population seems healthy.

 

January 1 record, February 5 records, March 4 records, April 6 records, In May there were            5 records, June 0 records, July 4 records, August 5 records, September 2 records, October 2 records, November 0 records, December 0 records.

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus coniculus

 

Very common in areas of cover around the moor’s edges, and occasionally seen in the interior. No signs of myxomatosis this year.

 

January 2 records, February 2 records, March 1 record, April 4 records, , In May there were          2 records, June 2 records, July 1 record, August 0 records, September 2 records, October 2 records, November 1 record, December 0 records.

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Adrian Handley, Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, William H. Priestley, George Roworth, Henry Roworth, Janet Roworth, Peter C. Roworth, Richard J. Sprakes, Bryan P. Wainwright and Levington staff.

 

 

 

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1997

Bryan P. Wainwright

 

Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus

 

The commoner shrew of the more open areas of the moors interior and best told from Common Shrew by longer tail (75% of body length).

 

21st September           1 dead Limberlost Tram (ML)

 

 

 

Mole Talapa europaea


Molehills are evident in many areas of the moors, but are more frequent around the moor edges especially near woodlands.

 

 

Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus

 

This species is infrequently but annual recorded on moors.

 

10th April                    1 probably Pipistrelle due to size, Top Moor Farm at dusk (ML)

 

09th August    1 over colliery land at dusk (BPW)

 

 

 

Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula

 

Rare but annual on moors.

 

09th August    1 colliery public footpath late evening (BPW, WHP)

 

 

 

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

 

Common despite obvious persecution and this is reflected in the drop of records this year.

 

26th January    1 Will Pits

 

09th February  1 dead Northern Goole Moor

 

30th March                  1 Casson's Gardens

 

31st March                  1 Durham's Gardens to Green Belt via fields

 

01st April                    1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

04th April                    2, 1 male Will Pits, and 1 female ‘Middle Moor’ Tram

 

06th April                    old male evident by white tipped tail

 

10th April                    1 Will Pits  

 

13th April                    1 male ‘Middle Moor’ 

 

19th April                    1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

20th April                    1 Will Pits

 

04th May                     1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

25th May                     1 Durham’s Gardens

 

01st June                     1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

04th June                     1 stalking along edge of Will Pits

 

04th June                     1 Limberlost peatstack          

 

05th October   1 male south edge of Will Pits

 

21st September           1 Will Pits

 

07th December            1 Pony Bridge Tram                 

 

 

 

 

 

Stoat Mustela erminea

 

Records from a           range of areas this year.

 

09th February  1 colliery

 

13th March                  1 Inkle Moor

 

16th March                  1 male crossing railway, Inkle Moor      

 

31st March                  1 Durham's Gardens

 

10th April                    1 Durham's Gardens

 

04th May                     1 Inkle Moor

 

18th July                     1 colliery

 

19th July                     1 colliery

 

06th September           1 road Inkle Moor

 

25th September           1 chasing Rabbit, south of Pony Bridge Wood

 

 

 

Weasel Mustela nivalis

 

Not encountered as often as Stoat and fewer records this year.

 

09th February  1 Creykes field track, Northern Goole Moor

 

13th February  1 Elmhirst Tram, hunting

 

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

Red Deer continue to be seen in the vicinity of the moors and appear to be doing well.

 

-- March                      2 male north of Will Pits (Levington staff)

 

04th April                    1 male edge of Will Pits (PCR)

 

11th April                    2 male Crowle side of Swinefleet Warping Drain (PCR)

 

13th April                    5 female Crowle Moor to Pony Bridge Marsh (RJS)

 

16th April                    3 in fields near Swinefleet Peat Works (PCR)

 

22nd April                   3 in fields north of Pony Bridge ran to Crowle Moor, two had antler stumps (ML)

 

27th April                    2 Will Pits (PCR)

 

04th May                     3 Shoulder o' Mutton (WHP)

 

08th May                     2 Will Pits Scrape, no antlers (ML)

 

04th June                     1 female near Casson's (BPW)

 

26th June                     3 fields north Pony Bridge (ML)

 

05th September           2,1 male, 1 female Will Pits (WHP)

 

13th October   1 male, 1 female Pony Bridge Wood (JGH)

 

09th November   3 Shoulder o' Mutton to Will Pits, one female with green ear tag (BPW)

 

26th December            1 male with large antlers, near Casson’s gardens (ML)

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

A good number of records this year but possibly down on last year

 

04th January    1 male with antlers in velvet, Green Belt

 

19th January    2 female Will Pits

 

09th February  2, 1 Will Pits, I fields Crowle Moor

 

15th February  2

 

16th February  3, 1 male Pony Bridge Marsh, 2 Paraffin Cuttings area

 

23rd February 2 Pony Bridge Tram

 

02nd March     6, 4 Will Pits, 2 Southern Canals

 

20th March                  1 male Elmhirst

 

29th March                  3, 1 female Will Pits, 2 Angle Drain

 

30th March                  2 male southern fields

 

06th April                    2 Pony Bridge Tram

 

10th April                    5, 1 male Mill Drain Marsh, 2 Will Pits and 3 feeding in Barley field at end of Jones Cable

 

11th April                    1 Will Pits, 2 Fisons’ Road, and 3 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

12th April                    6, 1 male near Elmhirst Wood, 1 female Limberlost Tram and 1 male 3 females Pony Bridge area

 

13th April                    2 male Will Pits

 

21st April                    1 Bell’s

 

22nd April                   2, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 Will Pits

 

27th April                    l male colliery area

 

29th April                    2, 1 male 1 female Crowle side of Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

04th May                     3, 2 Mill Drain, 1 Southern Canals

 

10th May                     1 Mill Drain

 

11th May                     Pony Bridge Marsh, a persistent nasal call was traced to two small fawns, and the fm was seen running away. One fawn was so young it could hardly stand (ML)

 

17th May                     1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

18th May                     call only Will Pits

 

25th may                     1

 

31st May                     heard, Will Pits and Crowle Moor

 

01st June                     1 female & 2 spotted fawns, ‘Middle Moor’

 

04th June                     1 & 1 fawn Will Pits

 

15th June                     heard Woodpecker Corner Tram

 

17th June                     l female with 2 young, Will Pits

 

22nd June                    female and 2 fawns (spots on flanks only now), Pony Bridge Marsh

 

29th June                     1 Will Pits

 

03rd July                     1 female and 1 fawn, Pony Bridge Marsh

 

18th July                     2, l male 1 female Cottage Dyke

 

26th September           6, 3 Durham's Gardens, 2 Limberlost Wood and 1 Pony Bridge

 

Wood

 

05th October   1 female Pony Bridge Wood

 

18th October   2 Woodpecker Corner

 

26th October   5, 7 Shoulder o' Mutton and Will Pits

 

28th October   3 Will Pits

 

31st October   1 Green Belt

 

02nd November          5

 

09th November           3, 2 adults Will Pits, with half grown fawn

 

21st November            1 Green Belt

 

23rd November           1 Will Pits

 

30th November           7, 3 Inkle Moor, 2 Will Pits and 2 Rhododendron path

 

 

 

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

 

30th March                  One entered an Alder at the Alder thicket with bedding, bedding was also stuck in entrance. The squirrel was not seen to leave in 30 minutes (ML)

 

19th April                    1 Will Pits

 

16th June                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

05th October   1 Woodpecker Corner

 

12th November           2 Woodpecker Corner

 

14th November           1 Woodpecker Corner

 

15th November           1 Woodpecker Corner

 

23rd November           1 Woodpecker Corner

 

 

 

Water Vole Arviola terrestris

 

An average year, however; there were few consecutive records from the same areas of the moors, possibly showing an unstable population. This may point to a long-term decline in the Water Vole population, but there is such a vast area of suitable habitat, that perhaps the species can manage to hang on despite whatever problems confront it.

 

02nd March     1 Mill Drain at Green Belt

 

09th March                  1 Northern Canals

 

13th March                  2 Paraffin Cuttings area

 

22nd March     1 Durham's Gardens

 

23rd March                 1 Rhododendron Path

 

01st April                    1 Lincolnshire NTR, Crowle Moor

 

06th April                    1 Pony Bridge Tram

 

20th April                    1 Durham's Gardens

 

01st May                     1 New Mill Drain

 

03rd May                    1 Paraffin Cuttings

 

11th May                     1 Paraffin Cuttings

 

17th May                     2

 

18th May                     1 New Mill Drain near Will Pits

 

25th May                     1 Durham's Gardens

 

31st May                     1 Mill Drain

 

07th September           1 Paraffin Cuttings

 

14th September           2 colliery area

 

18th October   1 public footpath colliery dyke

 

15th November           1 public footpath colliery dyke

 

07th December            1 public footpath colliery dyke

 

 

 

Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus

 

No dates but evidently present at rubbish tips on the moors edges.

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus campensis

 

The following lists the number of recorded sightings for each month, but these should be taken as a minimum as many sightings go unrecorded. Most frequently seen on bare peat around flooded workings, but could be encountered anywhere.

 

1 record for January, 3 for February, 7 for March, 6 for April, 4 for May, 1 for June, none for July, 3 for August, 5 for September, 2 for October, 2 for November and 1 for December.

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus coniculus

 

The following lists the number of recorded sightings for each month, but these should be taken as a minimum as many sightings go unrecorded. The colliery area was the stronghold for rabbits, however some showed signs of myxomatosis this year.

 

No records for January, 1 for February, 2 for March, 1 for April, 2 for May.  1 for June, none for July, none for August, 2 for September, 2 for October, 1 for November and none for December.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Peter Allot, Adrian Handley, Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, William H. Priestly, Ray T. Priestley, Janet M. Roworth, Peter C. Roworth, Tony Sherburn, Richard J. Sprakes, Bryan P. Wainwright, and Levington staff.

 

 

 

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1998

Bryan P. Wainwright

 

Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus

 

Very rarely encountered anywhere in the recording area. Previous records have come from warpland such as in Will Pits wood, but never before from pure peat areas.

 

24th June                     1 young on colliery road at Moorends Recreation Ground (BPW)

 

10th October               1 young on Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram, the first record of 1 on peat (RJS)

 

01st November    Possible the same one, again on Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram (RJS, BPW)

 

 

 

Shrew species Sorex sp.

 

There are three species of shrew on Thorne Moors; Common Shrews are mostly around the edges of the moor; Pygmy Shrews in open areas of the interior and Water Shrew in areas with water.

 

27th June                     1 ran across Fisons’ Road

 

 

 

Mole Talapa europaea

 

Mole hills are frequent on areas of warpland at the moors edge. Moles themselves are usually only seen when dead though.

 

19th June                     1 dead in colliery area

 

06th September           1 dead in Will Pits ride

 

26th September           1 dead in Will Pits ditch ride

 

 

 

Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus

 

The commonest bat.

 

19th March                  1 over Casson’s Gardens at dusk (JGH)

 

18th July                     2 along colliery footpath at first light (BPW)

 

01st August                 1 along colliery footpath (BPW)

 

31st October               1 at Moorends Recreation Ground (BPW)

 

 

 

Bat spp.

 

Only three species of bat have been reliably recorded, Common Pipistrelle, Noctule Nyctalus noctula and Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii. Without further work with a bat detector speculation will remain as to the identity of species other than the first two (smallest and largest species respectively and both common and widespread in England).

 

20th March                  Three unidentified bats (one Canal Tow Path, two ‘Middle Moor’) were seen flying in lines at about two to three metres height in the gloaming before sunrise. They did not look large enough to be Noctule Bat and did not appear to be pure black. It could be speculated they were Daubentons or even Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri (BPW).

 

26th July                     One briefly seen bat at Moorends Recreation Ground, in the gloaming before sunrise.  The bat was about three times the size of the Common Pipistrelle, so possibly was Noctule Bat (BPW).

 

 

 

Red Fox vulpes vulpes

 

Widespread and frequently encountered in daylight as these records show. People can often approach foxes here to within a few metres.

 

11th January    1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

17th January    2 together on Goole Moor

 

25th January    1 eastern boundary of Southern Canals

 

01st February  1 on Fisons’ Road at Will Pits

 

05th February  1 at Rhododendron path

 

08th March                  1 at Rhododendron path

 

15th March                  1 dead Goole Fields Reservoir

 

04th April                    1 on Fisons’ Road at Will Pits

 

14th April                    1 at Rhododendron path

 

18th April                    1 on Fisons’ Road

 

19th April                    1 washing itself at Green Belt

 

25th April                    1 at Green Belt

 

28th April                    1 at Will Pits

 

12th June                     1 at north end of Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

14th June                     1 walking along Fisons’ Road, crossing at bridge

 

27th June                     1 hunting on flooded workings; birds seemed unconcerned

 

05th July                     1 on Fisons’ Road near Mill Drain Marsh

 

02nd August   1 on Fisons’ Road near Green Belt

 

06th August    1 on the flooded workings

 

09th August    1 on the flooded workings

 

29th August    1 on Fisons’ Road

 

06th September           1 on the flooded workings

 

19th September           1 in Will Pits ride, in front of two Roe Deer

 

04th October   1 in field between Inkle Moor and the colliery area

 

18th October   1 chasing a Brown Hare at the flooded workings

 

01st November            1 on Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram

 

07th November           1 at sheep field, at south side of the moors

 

14th November           1 on Fisons’ Road

 

29th November           1 east end of Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram

 

06th December    2, 1 running over ice of the flooded workings, 1 near Limberlost

 

25th December            2, 1 Rhododendron path, 1 at the Paraffin area

 

27th December            1 on Fisons’ Road near Green Belt

 

 

 

Stoat Mustela erminea

 

There were fewer records than usual, despite many Rabbits in the area.

 

02nd January   1 south side of Pony Bridge Wood

 

10th May                     1 at steel entrance bridge, in the colliery area

 

 

 

Weasel Mustela nivalis

 

A poor year for this mustelid also.

 

11th January                1 ran along Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram before swimming ditch to Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

12th April                    1 ran across Fisons’ Road at Will Pits

 

11th October   1 at Will Pits Scrape

 

 

 

Badger Meles meles

 

Information withheld from publication.

 

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

This species seems to be thriving on the moors and farmland around.

 

01st February  1 female and a young male at Will Pits

 

14th March                  2 at dusk on Elmhirst Tram.

 

22nd March                 13, 3 males with small antlers came from Shoulder o’ Mutton and proceeded to a marshy area at Will Pits just south of Blackwater Dyke and met other 10. As they stood around in the early morning light a Roe Deer appeared and walked hurriedly by.

 

27th March                  10 at dusk at Limberlost.

 

07th April                    12 at Swinefleet Warping Drain at Pony Bridge Marsh, mixed ages, some with antlers

 

12th April                    3 in field south of Crowle Moor

 

26th April                    8 plus at Pony Bridge Marsh, 2 with growing antlers

 

01st May                     7 at Swinefleet Warping Drain near Will Pits, 2 with growing antlers.

 

01st June                     4 along Swinefleet Warping Drain near Will Pits Scrape

 

20th September   2 males on Fisons’ Road at Will Pits, the full grown male (6 points on each antler) was bellowing, and half-heartedly locked antlers with the other three-quarter grown male

 

07th November           3 females at Shoulder o’ Mutton, one had green ear tag

 

15th November           1 at Will Pits

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

Another species doing well, recorded every month except December.

 

01st January    3 on Goole Moor near Shoulder o’ Mutton.

 

04th January    4, 3 males and a female in fields near Will Pits.

 

11th January                2, 1 at Rhododendron path, 1 at Swinefleet Warping Drain at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

25th January    1 near Elmhirst Tram

 

12th March                  3, 1 male and two females on Elmhirst Tram

 

13th March                  2 females at Casson’s Gardens

 

15th March                  1 female edge of Crowle Moor

 

27th March                  1 Limberlost

 

04th April                    1 male on ‘Middle Moor’ Tram at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

07th April                    1 female on Elmhirst Tram

 

12th April                    3, 1 male Green Belt, one female Green Belt Scrape, one male ‘Middle Moor’

 

13th April                    1 along Mill Drain

 

14th April                    1 west of Will Pits

 

18th April                    1 in colliery area

 

25th April                    3, 1 in colliery area, 1 male (with antlers on colliery spoil heap, 1 on Fisons’ Road at Will Pits

 

30th May                     1 in colliery area

 

10th June                     2, 1 female and 1 young at Will Pits

 

20th June                     2 heard only

 

22nd June                    2 a male and a female along Mill Drain

 

24th June                     1 along Mill Drain

 

08th July                     2 at Will Pits

 

12th July                     1 at Will Pits

 

23rd July                     3, 1 adult and 2 young, in the southern half of moors

 

26th July                     2, 1 male and 1 female at Snaith & Cowick Moor

 

01st August     2 young in Will Pits

 

06th August                2 fawns in the colliery area, 1 three-quarters and the other half grown both still showing faint spots on flanks

 

08th August    2 fawns (similar to those on 6th August) along Mill Drain

 

09th August                2 fawns (similar to those on 6th and 8th August) along Mill Drain

 

16th August    1 immature male with antlers in colliery area

 

25th August        2, 1 adult and 1 immature in field between Inkle Moor and colliery area

 

31st August                 2, 1 immature at Green Belt, and a male at Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

06th September   5, 1 along Jones Cable, and an adult female with 3 young in the field between Inkle Moor and colliery area

 

12th September   2, 1 male and one immature in the field between Inkle Moor and colliery area

 

13th September           1 half grown fawn in Will Pits, with spots will on its flanks

 

19th September   2, 1 adult female and a half grown immature in Will Pits; a Red Fox was just in front of them

 

20th September   4, 1 at Green Belt, two adults and a three quarter grown immature in Will Pits

 

26th September           2 Southern Canals

 

03rd October   1 immature along Mill Drain

 

04th October   4, two along Shoulder o’ Mutton Tram

 

10th October   1 at Inkle Moor

 

18th October   3 in field between Inkle Moor and the colliery area

 

20th October   1 female at Green Belt

 

24th October   4 in field between Inkle Moor and the colliery area

 

31st October   1 wading Bell’s Pond

 

07th November           2 in Will Pits ditch ride

 

14th November           2 at Northern Goole Moor

 

29th November           2 from Shoulder o’ Mutton to Will Pits

 

 

 

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

 

Fewer records this year.

 

25th January    1 at Alder thicket

 

23rd May                    1 along path from steel entrance bridge to Rhododendron path

 

16th August    1 at Pony Bridge Wood

 

13th September           1 came off Goole Fields onto Goole Moor

 

 

 

Water Vole Arviola terrestris

 

An average year, but records came from a few reliable areas only.

 

22nd February 1 at steel entrance bridge

 

14th March                  1 at steel entrance bridge

 

15th March                  1 at Swinefleet Warping Drain on Goole Fields

 

29th March                  1 at colliery public footpath, 1 at steel entrance bridge

 

25th April                    1 at old Mill Drain at Green Belt

 

26th April                    1 at colliery footpath eating grass roots

 

26th May                     1 at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

28th May                     1 at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

01st June                     1 at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

17th July                     1 at steel entrance bridge

 

08th August    1 at steel entrance bridge

 

28th August    1 at south western boundary drain in colliery area

 

31st August     1 at steel entrance bridge

 

01st September           1 at steel entrance bridge

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus campensis

 

One or two frequently seen in open areas such as north of Fisons’ Road, or at ‘Middle Moor’. A more unusual area was one in Will Pits wood on 14th March.

 

In January, there were five dates with singles, two on 11th, and three on 1st. In February, there was one on 16th. In March, there were five dates with singles, and two on 8th. In April, there were four dates with singles, three dates with two, and three on 25th. In May, there were two on 30th. In June, there were four dates with singles, and two on 20th.  In July, there was one on 18th. In August, there was one on 21st and two on 6th and 25th.  In September, there was one on 6th. In October, there were three dates with singles, two on 3rd and three on 4th. In November, there was one on 8th and three on 14th. In December, there was one on 20th and two on 26th.

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus coniculus

 

Rabbits are commonly met with around the colliery and along the public footpath. On the moors the mounds of cleared vegetation and earth make excellent areas for warrens. Rabbit could be seen stretched out and sun bathing here in spring. There were no signs of myxomatosis this year.

 

In January, there was one on 28th. None in February. In March, there was one on 14th, two on 28th, and three on 15th. In April, there were three dates with singles, and two on 14th and 26th. In May, there was one on 30th. In June, there were two on 22nd, and four on 27th. In July, there were two on 18th and 19th. In August, there was one on 21st and 31st, two on 8th, nine on 29th, and 10 on 6th. In September, there were singles on 6th and 27th, and 11 on 26th. In October, there were singles on three dates, and three on 2nd.  In November, there was one on 8th. None in December.

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Richard Atterby, Steve Hiner, John G. Hitchcock, Martin Limbert, Frank Oates, Maureen O’Kane, Terry O’Kane, William H. Priestly, Richard J. Sprakes, Bryan P. Wainwright.

 

 

 

 

 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1999


Margaret Hayward and Bryan P. Wainwright
Common Shrew Sorex araneus

The only records received are of dead specimens.

 

24th April                    1 Canal Tow Path

 

06th August                1 Elmhirst Tram body 6-7cm tail 5.5cm

 

23rd August    1 Fisons’ Road

 

12th December            1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

 


Mole Talpa europaea

Molehills are evident in many areas of the moors, but are more frequent around the moor edges especially near woodland.

 

05th September           1 dead Mole at Will Pits, the creature had only just died

 

 


Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus

10th July                     2, 1 Elmhirst Pump, 1 colliery road

 

 

 

Badger Meles meles

 

Information has been with held from publication.

 

 


Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

A widespread and frequently encountered animal, at all times of day.

 

16th January    1 flooded workings

 

23rd January   1 Rhododendron Path

 

13th February  1 Shoulder o’ Mutton flooded workings

 

11th March                  1 moor side of steel entrance bridge

 

20th March      1 Will Pits

 

27th March                  1 Pony Bridge Marsh at Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

02nd April                   1 near Will Pits

 

03rd April                   1 Yorkshire Triangle, 1 at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

14th April                    1 Collis’s Tram

 

18th April                    1 Green Belt carrying Mallard Anas platyrhynchos egg walked unconcernedly just ahead of me on path the female Mallard giving constant quacking distress quack call the male with her (BPW)

 

31st May                     3 cubs at the junction of Elmhirst Tram and Limberlost peat stack, 1 Woodpecker Corner Tram

 

04th June                     1 Bells Pond area

 

13th June                     1 moor side of colliery road

 

14th June                     2, 1 Woodpecker Corner and 1 cub at Pony Bridge Tram

 

16th June                     1 Eastern Tram carrying young Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

 

18th June                     1 cub at eastern end of Fisons’ Road

 

19th June                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

23rd June                    2, 1 cub Elmhirst, 1 Casson’s, 1 Will Pits

 

29th June                     2 Will Pits

 

05th July                     1 Section 54

 

09th July                     1 cub at Eastern Tram

 

16th July                     1 Eastern Tram

 

17th July                     2, 1 moor side of colliery road, 1 elsewhere

 

19th July                     1 cub Collis’s Tram

 

16th August                1 female 1 Fisons’ Road

 

20th August    3 at Fisons’ Road

 

21st August     2, 1 young Fisons’ Road

 

22nd August   1 flooded workings

 

23rd August    1 Fisons’ Road, 1 at Green Belt

 

27th August                1 Shoulder o’ Mutton, 1 on road near blue bridge, 1 along edge of floods near Shearburn and Pitts Drain

 

16th October               1 Will Pits

 

23rd October   1 Inkle Moor

 

22nd November          1 Middle Moor Tram

 

17th November           1 Elmhirst Tram

 

21st November            1 Whaleys Balk

 

 


Stoat Mustela erminea

05th May                     1 Green Belt

 

 

 

Weasel Mustela nivalis

 

31st May                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

 

 

American Mink Mustela lutreola

 

01st January    1 running along bank next to the road in Will Pits (WHP)

 

 

 

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

 

This species seems to be established on the moors and surrounding farmland.

 

04th March                  1 female at Bell’s Pond area

 

09th March                  1 female at Bell’s Pond area

 

04th April                    7, 2 young stags plus 5 hinds at road through Will Pits

 

18th April                    1 female with ear tag at Will Pits

 

03rd May                    1 female at Canal Tow Path

 

11th August        4, a female and calf Swinefleet Warping Drain at Will Pits browsing, 2 males with big antlers Will Pits Scrape

 

05th September   1 with antlers knobs at Swinefleet Warping Drain at Pony Bridge Marsh

 

10th September           4 young females at Will Pits

 

24th September           heard bellowing at Will Pits

 

03rd October               3, 2 males with fine antlers and female at Will Pits

 

17th October               13, 1 male with antlers with 9 females and nearby a male with antlers and male with mere knobs in fields east of Pony Bridge Marsh.  Another female on the edge of Pony Bridge Marsh, having crossed Swinefleet Warping Drain

 

04th November           1 male at Pony Bridge area

 

 

 

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

 

A healthy population of Roe Deer frequently observed.

 

01st January    3 Paraffin area

 

06th January    1 western end Fisons’ Road

 

15th January    3 Section 39

 

19th January    2 Whaley Bulk

 

23rd January   4 fields near Green Belt

 

07th February  2, a male and female Green Belt

 

08th February  2, 1 Whaley Balk and 1 Paraffin area

 

11th February  5 Whaley Balk

 

12th February  2 Paraffin area

 

15th February  5, 2 Whaley Balk, 3 Bell’s Pond

 

19th February  1 Paraffin area

 

20th February  1 Paraffin area

 

17th March                  2, 1 female at Middle Moor Tram, 1 male Canal Tow Path

 

19th March                  5, 2 females and 1 male Whaley Balk, 2 females Section 39

 

20th March                  1 male Bell’s Pond

 

22nd March     1 male Yorkshire Triangle

 

24th March                  1 female Section 57

 

25th March                  1 male Bell’s Pond

 

26th March                  1 female Section 57

 

27th March                  3, 1 male Bell’s Pond, 1 Inkle Moor, 1 Paraffin area

 

28th March                  1 male at Will Pits, 2 elsewhere

 

30th March                  1 female Section 38

 

31st March                  1 Section 55

 

01st April                    1 male with antlers Bell’s Pond

 

02nd April                   8, 2 Bell’s Pond, 1 Elmhirst, 1 near Will Pits, a pair colliery area, and another pair Will Pits

 

03rd April                   2, 1 male in water near Will Pits Scrape, 1 Will Pits

 

04th April            3, 1 male Bell’s Pond, 1 male Will Pits Scrape, 1 at ride through Will Pits

 

05th April                    1 male Bell’s Pond area

 

06th April                    1 male Section 34

 

13th April                    3, 2 males Whaley Balk, 1 female Bell’s Pond

 

14th April                    7, 2 males and 2 females southern end of Middle Moor Tram, 2, a male and 1 female Collis Tram

 

16th April                    1 male Bells Pond area

 

17th April                    2, 1 male and 1 female at southern end of colliery spoil mounds

 

18th April                    2, a male with antlers with a female south of Fisons’ Road, east of Mill Drain Marsh

 

19th April                    3, 1 male Alder thicket, 2 females Section 6

 

23rd April                   1 on Fisons’ Road at Will Pits

 

24th April                    4, 1 Green Belt Scrape, 1 road, 1 male Shoulder of Mutton Tram, 1 Mill Drain

 

25th April                    1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

29th April                    2, 1 male and 1 female Bells Pond area

 

30th April                    1 female Durham Gardens

 

05th May                     2, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 elsewhere

 

06th May                     1 Will Pits

 

07th May                     1 male Southern Canals

 

10th May                     1 female Canal Tow Path

 

11th May                     1 Green Belt

 

12th May                     1 Green Belt

 

13th May                     3+, 1 male with antlers, at Green Belt

 

19th May                     2, 1 male Southern Canal, 1 female Bell’s Pond, 2, a male and female Shearburn & Pitts Drain, Will Pits

 

20th May                     1 male flooded workings mounds

 

24th May                     2 female and a fawn Collis’s Tram near Woodpecker Corner

 

25th May                     2, 1 female and another at edge of colliery spoil mounds

 

26th May                     1 female at Paraffin area, 1 male Shearburn & Pitts Drain at flooded workings

 

29th May                     2 Green Belt

 

31st May                     1 female Woodpecker Corner

 

04th June                     3, 1 male, 1 female and 1 fawn Bell’s Pond

 

05th June                     1 at night Middle Moor Tram 

 

07th June                     2, 1 male Bell’s Pond, 1 male Collis’s Tram

 

09th June                     1 male Paraffin area

 

14th June                     2, 1 male Swinefleet Warping Drain, 1 male south end of Middle Moor Tram

 

17th June                     1 Collis Tram

 

18th June                     1 male with antlers Middle Moor Tram

 

19th June                     1 female Will Pits

 

21st June                     1 morning Woodpecker Corner

 

26th June                     1 female Green Belt

 

29th June                     1 Green Belt Scrape

 

02nd July                    2 female and fawn Elmhirst gate       

 

04th July                     1 female moors edge at colliery road

 

10th July                     2 barking

 

19th July                     1 female southern end Middle Moor Tram

 

07th August    1 female Mill Drain Marsh

 

11th August    1 flooded workings mounds

 

12th August    2 road towards Green Belt

 

16th August        5, 1 male Elmhirst Tram, 1 female and 3 fawns Will Pits

 

20th August    3 female and 2 fawns on bean field off colliery road

 

21st August     3 females and 2 young ‘Middle Moor’

 

22nd August   2 males and a female between mounds and Will Pits

 

29th August    3, 1 female and 2 young in field adjacent to moors near metal bridge

 

12th September           2 young Will Pits

 

20th September           3 Green Belt

 

29th September           1 female Elmhirst area

 

01st October               1 female Alder Thicket

 

11th October   3 females Whaley Balk          

 

15th October   1 male Pony Bridge Tram

 

29th October   3 females Paraffin area

 

30th October   2 females Inkle Moor

 

08th November           1 female Eastern Tram

 

12th November           5, 2 males Whaley Balk, 3 females Pony Bridge Tram

 

29th November           1 female Middle Moor Tram

 

06th December            1 male Middle Moor Tram

 

12th December            9, 4 males/immature in field, 2 Will Pits, 3 Middle Moor Tram

 

15th December            4, 1 male and 3 females Green Belt

 

16th December            7, 6 males colliery area, 1 immature Inkle Moor

 

17th December            5, 1 male and 4 females at Whaley Balk

 

19th December            3 English Natures’ field

 

20th December            3 Alders

 

24th December            3 females Fisons’ Road

 

26th December            2 Will Pits

 

 


Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

01st January    1 flat area of colliery spoil

 

13th January    2, 1 Paraffin area, 1 Inkle Moor

 

31st May                     1 Woodpecker Corner

 

10th November           1 Paraffin area

 

21st November            1 ran over road at Will Pits

 

13th December            1 Paraffin area

 

24th December    1 in big Crack Willows Salix fragilis at the old ride Will Pits near road ‘churred’ constantly


Water Vole Arvicola terrestris

07th February 1 Western Boundary Drain 1 metal entrance bridge

 

14th March                  1 along Swinefleet Warping Drain at the Pony Bridge

 

17th March                  1 Durham’s Warping Drain

 

27th March          4, 1 Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 Mill Drain at Green Belt, 1 metal bridge colliery area, 1 Angle Drain

 

28th March                  1 Mill Drain Marsh, froze in water, then dived

 

04th April                    4, 1 Mill Drain, 1 from flooded workings to Mill Drain midday, 1 in drain at Pony Bridge Marsh, 1 south western boundary drain near metal entrance bridge

 

09th April                    1 Pony Bridge Marsh

 

11th April                    1 heard Will Pits ditch ride

 

18th April                    1 old Mill Drain at Green Belt

 

23rd April                   1 metal entrance bridge

 

24th April                    Shearburn & Pitts Drain at flooded workings

 

02nd May                    3, 1 in Swinefleet Warping Drain near Will Pits Scrape, 1 Pony Bridge, 1 Casson’s Marsh

 

11th May                     1 metal entrance bridge

 

13th May                     2, 1 main flooded workings north of Fisons’ Road, 1 new Mill Drain along Fisons’ Road

 

16th May             1 south western edge of moors

 

20th May                     1 metal entrance bridge

 

28th May                     1 metal entrance bridge

 

30th July                     2 heard only, 1 Mill Drain near Green Belt, 1 colliery area

 

12th August    2 heard only, 1 Mill Drain near Green Belt, 1 colliery area

 

15th August    1 Mill Drain Marsh

 

12th September   3, 1 metal entrance bridge, 2 south western boundary drain

 

13th September   2 metal entrance bridge

 

02nd October      1 ‘Middle Moor’

 

03rd October   1 Mill Drain

 

10th October   1 metal entrance bridge

 

21st November            4 Mill Drain

 

 

 

Brown Hare Lepus capensis

 

Not all sightings are recorded, these are the records from just four recorders.

 

03rd January   1 flooded workings

 

20th March                  1 colliery spoil mounds

 

27th March      3

 

01st April                    1 Fisons’ Road

 

23rd April                   1 colliery spoil mounds

 

19th May                     1 ‘Middle Moor#

 

26th May                     1 Fisons’ Road

 

28th May                     1 Fisons’ Road

 

31st May                     1 colliery spoil mounds

 

08th June                     1 Whaley Balk

 

14th June                     1 female

 

26th June                     1 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

16th July                     1 Whaley Balk

 

06th August                2 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

23rd August    1 Fisons’ Road near Green Belt

 

27th August    1 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

12th August    1 west of Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

31st October               1 Fisons’ Road

 

12th December            1 south of Fisons’ Road

 

20th December            1 Snaith & Cowick Moor

 

 

 

Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

 

Rabbits are common around the colliery and along the public footpaths, they are also common in parts of the interior of the moor especially where bulldozed mounds of earth and old tree remains at the flooded workings provide ideal sites for large warrens.

 

13th February  2 Shoulder o’ Mutton

 

20th March                  1 Bell’s Pond

 

22nd March         1 flooded workings mounds north of Mill Drain Marsh

 

27th March                  2, 1 Will Pits, 1 colliery area

 

01st April                    5, 4 flooded workings mounds, 1 colliery area

 

02nd April                   10 flooded workings mounds

 

03rd April                   some present and 1 shot Bell’s Pond

 

04th April                    3 Will Pits

 

24th April                    4 young colliery area regularly

 

30th April                    5, 2 colliery area, 3 flooded workings mounds

 

6th May                       seen colliery area

 

07th May                     3+ young colliery area, 2 flooded workings mounds

 

09th May                     3 Jones Cable

 

11th May                     young colliery area

 

17th May                     1 flooded workings mounds

 

18th May             first sightings of one with myxomatosis at colliery area, others (not affected) at flooded workings mounds

 

19th May                     2 colliery area

 

21st May                     1 flooded workings mounds

 

28th May                     4 colliery area

 

17th June                     3, 2 juveniles colliery area public footpath, 1 flooded workings

 

19th June                     1 Will Pits Scrape

 

26th June                     1 flooded workings mounds

 

11th July                     1+ Jones Cable

 

17th July                     1

 

11th August                lots colliery area and Will Pits

 

15th August    2 Jones Cable, 2 colliery spoil heap

 

22nd August   1+ Jones Cable

 

23rd August        2, 1 flooded workings mounds, 1 Swinefleet Warping Drain at Will Pits

 

24th August    3 near Jones Cable

 

05th September           1 between Jones Cable and colliery spoil mounds

 

12th September           3 Will Pits

 

13th September           3 colliery area

 

25th September           2 flooded workings mounds.

 

03rd October               4 Jones Cable.

 

28th November           1 Jones Cable

 

05th December            1 Jones Cable

 

12th December            2 flooded workings mounds

 

16th December    2, 1 dead from myxomatosis at colliery area, 1 at Elmhirst pump

 

17th December            7, 1 Pony Bridge Wood, 6 Will Pits

 

24th December            1 Will Pits

 

 

 

List of Observers

 

Karl Chambers, John G. Hitchcock, Martin Limbert, David Parlett, William H. Priestley, Frank Oates, Richard J. Sprakes, Bryan P. Wainwright.