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.