Wyre Forest Area Woodlands - Wyre Forest

Wyre forest is noted for its variety of wildlife. Although now the Wyre Forest has been much deforested, it is one of the largest remaining ancient lowland coppice oak woodlands in Britain. Wyre Forest has elements of both lowland and upland woodland and also contains a number of unimproved grassland meadows. Old orchards and areas of scrub also contribute to the variety of habitats present in the reserve. The site supports an important invertebrate population that includes England's largest colony of pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies. Breeding birds in the area include redstart, pied flycatcher, wood warbler, buzzard and raven, while dipper, grey wagtail and kingfisher are found on the larger streams. Mammals found in the reserve include, fallow, roe and muntjac deer, polecats, otters and mink. Yellow neck mice, dormice, voles and water shrews are also found. Several bat species live in the area including pipistrelle and Daubenton's.