Bushes with its associated human disturbance must preclude deer and hare (Lepus
europaeus) though a muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) was killed on the High Road at
Buckhurst Hill in 1973 (10). Daniel in his 'Rural Sports' published in 1812 records the
inn-keeper of the Bald Faced Stag keeping a tame pine marten (Martes martes) and
letting it have the run of the kitchens there! (17). At that time the pine marten was a
native of Epping Forest. As I have already mentioned rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
were formerly present in Lords Bushes and the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) was last
recorded for Lords Bushes in about 1949 by Scott (pers. comm.). H. A. Cole recorded the
dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) from Buckhurst Hill in 1887. At this time this
animal was not uncommon in Epping Forest (12).
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehogs were noted to be common in the Buckhurst Hill area (including Lords
Bushes) in the 1950's by David Scott and this appears to be their status today.
Hedgehogs are frequently seen and heard in the Knighton Lane area and I also have a
record of a dead hedgehog on the burnt and disturbed area on the 5th December 1978. I
have also taken the hedgehog flea (Archaeopsylla erinacei) locally.
Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus
This little bat can be seen late on most summer evenings in Lords Bushes hawking
around the clearings, rides and over the ponds for insects. A few years ago (I have no
evidence for its existence in 1979) there was a fairly large roost of this species in the loft
of one of the relatively newly built houses in Wimborne Close, access being gained by a
slipped roof tile.
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
The grey squirrel is very common in Lords Bushes, the maximum number I have
counted in the woods in winter on a warm sunny day is 18 on the 10th January 1979, but
this is probably an underestimate of the total population. In winter this species seems to
gather in small groups, I have recorded as many as 10 together, possibly for mating
which takes place in the winter months. I have also taken the squirrel flea (Orchopeas
howardi) locally.
Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus
A small mammal trapping survey of 42 trap-nights produced 19 small mammals, all of
this species (none of these examined proved to be the yellow necked mouse (Apodemus
flavicollis). Trapping was mainly carried out in the burnt and disturbed area (36 of the
42 trap nights) which produced 18 of the 19 captures of wood mice.
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes
This species is present though it is difficult to ascertain numbers. An adult and two cubs
were noted on the main path on the 30th October 1978. There is a disused earth under a
garden shed in a garden abutting Lords Bushes. I have found 'scats' and noted foxes on
the burnt and disturbed area on several occasions.
DISCUSSION
I hope I have shown how changes in habitat, due to changes in management
practice, can occur over the decades and centuries. In 1976 few people would have
realised that Lords Bushes once contained a heathland element but an examination of
the flora that has appeared following the clearances would make this appear to be so.
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