15
species of rodent could be found after a search in these
woods. These rodents include Wood-mice, Grey-squirrels,
the occasional House-mouse and more brown rats than one
would expect. Dormice may be found in some woods in other
parts of Essex, but certainly not in any woods that I know
of around Brentwood. I haue seen Shrews in a wood near
Hutton to represent insectiuors. Hedgehogs can also be
found in the small woods near towns. All of the aboue,
except the Grey Squirrel, keep a very low profile, except
in those woods which are not continually visited by people.
Rabbits are often seen bolting from bushes and clumps of grass
and in the woods nearer to Brentwood the local dogs get a
good run when the Rabbit bolts; but I can't say I haue ever
seen one caught by anyone's pet dog.
Fallow deer are not solely woodland dwellers around Brentwood;
they are occasionally seen in the small woods and farm land
around South Weald and Doddinghurst. They are also more
abundant than might be supposed.
Foxes and weasels are common in and around the woods, but I
haue yet to see a Stoat around Brentwood. Badger sets are
found in quitelarge numbers around this area and most of
them are in the smaller woods. The smaller woods are one
up on Epping Forest when it comes to this Carnivore, for the
forest now has no resident Badgers.
I am not really an ornithologist, but I haue noticed an
increase in Wood-pigeons and Magpies in and around small woods
that I haue visited. Days, Crows and Blue-tits haue also
appeared more often through my field-glasses whilst in these
woodlands.
The ponds in these small woods are not really fit for Frogs
and Newts. I haue seen a Common Lizard and often Grass
Snakes, sunning themselves on the edge of several woods.
Although they are much smaller than the major woodlands of
Essex, these copses do hold a wide variety of animals and
plants, but sadly they are all that remains of a once majestic
forest.
STEPHEN MYNARD