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Letton God's Acre Group - Events
Letton God's Acre Group Archaeology Survey
Letton God's Acre Group Bird Survey
Letton God's Acre Group Fungi Survey
Letton God's Acre Group Lichen Survey
Letton God's Acre Group Small Mammals Survey
Letton God's Acre Group Tree Survey
Letton God's Acre Group News
Letton God's Acre Group Botanical Survey
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Letton God's Acre Group Small Mammals Survey
Location: Herefordshire
Introduction
Small mammal survey was carried out using Longworth traps. The traps are filled with hay and baited with food which is suitable for rodents and shrews. The animals are released as soon as possible. A general survey of the churchyard for signs of other mammals was also carried out.
Conclusion
- Bank vole and common shrew are both breeding within the churchyard
- The trapping results indicate quite a high population of both species
- There are a large number of holes throughout the churchyard which will be used by both bank voles and moles.
Even though field voles were not captured it is possible that they are present when the grass is longer.
Management Recomendations
There was very little cover for small mammals at the time of the visit. The grass was cut throughout most of the area. It is not known what the management regime is here, but it is recommended that a taller grass verge at least 70 cm wide alongside the boundaries is allowed to be present all year round, particularly the boundaries where the animals were caught. This will provide some cover and protection from the cats which seem to be constantly present, particularly in the north-eastern corner of the "wild area".
Thistles appear to be becoming a problem in the northern section of the churchyard, and will eventually out compete the grasses. Many of these should be removed by frequent cutting or pulling to prevent seeding and further spread.
To encourage more small mammals, which are essential prey items for owls, and hedgehogs -a dedicated compost heap area is created in a corner. This would also provide habitat for amphibians or reptiles such as slow-worm.
Further information:
 Visit the Letton Village Website for the full report
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