Mammals
Some of the mammal species that you might come across when you are exploring in and around Martha’s Orchard.
Brown Hare
The Brown Hare can be spotted in the open fields and farm land that surround the Orchard. Keep an eye out for the black tips that can be found at the end of very long ears sticking up out of long grass. When disturbed you can see Brown Hare bounding across fields at speed in a zig-zag pattern, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 45 mph. In early Spring, when the breeding season is in full swing, Brown Hare can often be seen boxing and fighting with each other.
When to see: All Year Around
Red Fox
You are most lightly to see a Fox early in the morning or at dusk. You can normally tell if a Fox has been nearby as they leave a very strong musty scent behind when marking out their territory. Early Spring is a good time of year to spot young fox cubs as they start to appear above ground. Where it is quiet and undisturbed they will play and bask in the sunshine at the start or the end of the day. The young cubs will also be keeping a lookout for a parent carrying food towards their earth, the den where the cubs are raised.
When to see: All Year Around
All photographs © Adrian Langdon and Helen Llewelyn
