Wildlife at Smatcher Wood

 

Mammals: The wood supports many small woodland mammals. It is possible to see foxes and badgers particularly at dawn and dusk. The hedgehog is a small mammal grey-brown animal, with yellow-tipped spines on its side and back, course hair is found on its head and underside. They tend to live on the edge of a deciduous woodland, though are becoming more urban. Like many mammals they have adapted to a nocturnal, insectivorous way of life. They feed on at least 100 invertebrates per night, favourites on the menu are beetles, caterpillars and earthworms, supplemented by slugs and even pet food! They also provoke the adder and are immune from its venom. The snake attacks the hedgehog until its venom runs out and then the hedgehog eats the adder. Relying on a strong sense of smell, they wander through their home range for approximately two miles per night foraging for food - detecting prey up to three centimetres deep under the soil. We have information about Roe deer and Badger

Birds: The wood is home to a wide variety of woodland birds, it is possible to see the blackbird, great tit, ravens. The hen harriers are the only birds of prey to have significantly increased their numbers in recent years, they can be seen soaring the sky in search of food. The male is a striking blue-grey bird and reaches between 44-52 cms on maturity. The female is distinctive with her white rump. They can be seen, appearing to be leisurely flyers, though when in search of food can be very systematic in their approach. They surprise their prey and seize it with their long legs. They feast on birds, frogs and snakes.

Insects and reptiles: Hoverflies are amongst the most common of the flies who live in the countryside. They have yellow stripes on a black background, they have one pair of wings, and their hind wings have been modified into small knobbed balancing organs. They are attracted to flowers and are important insect pollinators, they are most vulnerable when hovering above these flowers so they have adopted mimicry skills, and when trapped can make a very realistic bee-like buzzing sound and given their appearance will put off some predators.

Habitats: Smatcher wood provides an ideal habitat for raptors, there are large trees for nesting purposes for a wide range of birds. With the open areas near to the hill fort providing a suitable habitat for the small mammal food source.

How to get there:
From the West take A44 and pass turning for New Radnor, take first right (minor council road) and the entrance is about 300 yards on right.

Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)

Enter through:
Smatcher

	Open access for horse riders throughout this area.

Contact:
Nick Whythe
Local Area Manager
0845 604 0845
e-mail: nick.whythe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk