While we are on the subject of protected species…
…here are the eight other S41 mammals that are either resident in the reserve, or include the reserve in their home range.
[1] Otter: a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan fully protected in the UK under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
[2] Brown hare: protected in the UK under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, a priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
[3] Bechstein’s bat: native and rare, classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
[4] Hedgehog: classified as vulnerable to extinction in the Red List for British Mammals.
[5] Soprano pipistrelle: threats include the loss of old buildings for roosting and a shortage of insect prey due to changes in agricultural practices.
[6] Lesser horseshoe bat: protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.
[7] Greater horseshoe bat: protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework, European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.
[8] Noctule: protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework, European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.
The reserve is important wildlife habitat, home to protected birds, reptiles, insects and plants. As the wider environment is degraded by climate change and by our dangerous and damaging patterns of land usage, we have to treat Southwick’s nature reserve as the precious resource that it is.
Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve 