LNHS (1964) The Birds of the London Area. Rupert Hart-Davis
Montier, D. (Ed.) (1977) Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area (LNHS)
Moxey, P. A. (1979) The Bird Community Structure of Epping Forest Since 1800. Essex Naturalist (N.S) No. 4 p. 4-14 Ed. D. Corke
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Speakman, F. J. (1962) A Keeper's Tale. Bell. p. 24-34
Stubbs. F. J. (1919) Field Notes on Essex Ornithology. Essex Naturalist Vol. XIX. p. 98.
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Wren = Wren Conservation Group Publications.
(a) The Birds of Wanstead Park and Area. The Birds of Southern Epping Forest (1977-1980)
(b) The Birds of Southern Epping Forest (1982 and 1983)
Mammals
Dr. Jonathan Cox
Introduction
This paper summarises information on the recent (post-1978) status of the mammals occurring in
Epping Forest. Mention is made of selected older records, but for more detailed historical information
(up to 1978) the reader is advised to refer to Corke (1979). Other mammal records are provided by
Cowlin (1972) for Badgers, Corke and Harris (1972) for small mammals, Harris (1974) for Squirrels.
Chapman (1977) for deer and Mickleburgh (1987) for bats.
In the text, 'recent records' means any records made in or after 1978. The scientific names used and
order of presentation are in accordance with Corbet and Southern (1977).
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Particularly common around the edges of the Forest, and in the suburbs which occur close to it,
despite numbers becoming casualties on roads. Individuals behaving atypically, for example active
in sunlight, may be suffering from having eaten invertebrates contaminated with pesticides.
Mole Talpa europaea
Moles occur on some of the grassy plains in the Forest, but are not frequent throughout. Recent
records include Fairmead Bottom, Whitehouse Plain. Epping Long Green, Bell Common and
Almshouse Plain.
Common Shrew Sorex araneus
A common species throughout, particularly where there is low vegetation providing suitable cover.
Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus
Less frequent in the Forest than the Common Shrew. Recent records from Wanstead Park.
Whitehouse Plain, Sunshine Plain and EFCC grounds.
Water Shrew Neomys fodiens
Not seen in recent years, but there are historical records (Corke, 1979). It is a species likely to be
overlooked and may still be present. Water Shrews are usually found near unpolluted streams and
ponds in areas of suitable cover, but they may also occur at a considerable distance from water, often
in woodland (Corbet and Southern. 1977).
Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentoni
In addition to historical records, this species has been seen over Connaught Water, and over Hollow
Pond at Whipps Cross (Mickleburgh. 1987).
Noctule Nyctalus noctula
This large bat, usually associated with wooded areas, has been recently recorded from Wanstead
Park, and one was seen over Baldwins Hill pond at noon in sunshine. Nyctalus sp. bats (either Noctules
or Leisler's bats) have also been observed feeding over the Hollow Pond (Mickleburgh, 1987).
Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Almost certainly the commonest bat in the Forest. Post-1970 roost sites of this species have been
recorded in houses in Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and Woodford Green, and it has been seen feeding
over Connaught Water(Mickleburgh. 1987).
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