Nature Trail - Board 10

In this area the banks are left unmown and there are some areas of bare soil – both of which are good for bumblebee nesting. Other good habitats here include the dry stone walls and the trees, both of which provide plenty of shelter for insects – food for bigger animals!

Bats

Get ready to encounter Lancashire’s most common bat, the common pipistrelle! This tiny creature weighs less than a matchbox and has a wingspan smaller than your hand. Look for their erratic, fluttering flight at dusk as they zigzag around catching insects. We have a lot of pipistrelles that make their home around Moss Wood, roosting in the trees and feasting on the bugs. While they might look a bit spooky, these miniature mammals are harmless and play a vital role in our ecosystem!

Kestrel

Keep your eyes peeled for the Kestrel, a small but mighty species of falcon which graces the skies around Moss Wood. Look for its chestnut-brown back, spotted underside, and pointed wings. Its claim to fame is the hovering hunt: the kestrel hangs suspended in the air, searching for voles and other small prey in grasslands and fields. Kestrels can be found in Britain all year round – the bird in the photo is a female who has made her home at Moss Wood over recent years. You can find these special birds of prey along roadsides, open farmland, or coastal areas around Lancashire.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are beloved creatures found throughout Lancashire’s gardens, hedgerows, and even urban areas. These nocturnal mammals have distinctive brown spines and a charming snuffling walk. They feed on insects, worms, and slugs, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Sadly, hedgehog numbers are declining. Here’s how you can help:

• Leave wild corners in your garden with leaves and logs
• Put out water and some cat/dog food
• Check for hedgehogs before strimming
• Support local hedgehog rescues

Look for these prickly friends at dusk and dawn around Moss Wood and back home!

Pine

While not as widespread as in other parts of the UK, pine trees hold a special place in Lancashire’s landscape. The native Scots Pine, with its blue-green needles and distinctive orange bark, is most likely what you’ll encounter – and we have a few of these around the park here at Moss Wood. Once part of vast forests, it’s now making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts across the UK. Look for pines in heathland and moorland areas, or spot planted varieties around the county. These hardy evergreens provide shelter for wildlife like red squirrels and offer a glimpse into Lancashire’s natural heritage.