Hylands - Notable Species
Lutra lutra (Linnaeus) Carnivora : Mustelidae
This is very probably the most surprising and startling record from Hylands Park. Otters, although
apparently common in the 19th century Essex, suffered a catastrophic decline in the late 20th century
and may have actually become extinct in the county. The possibility that this may be the situation
throughout East Anglia, prompted the Otter Tnist - based in Suffolk - to initiate a breeding and
release programme.
The University of Essex supported a new otter research programme in 1996 and by 1997, had
recorded otter on the River Wid near Writtle. Subsequently, evidence of otter - usually in the form
of spraints - has been recorded on the Wid in Hylands Park in the years 1998 - 2003, although this
is unfortunately not evidence for a re-established breeding holt. It would be possible, giv ing continued
lack of disturbance along the Wid, pro-otter bankside management and planting and even the
construction of an artificial holt to enhance the habitat and possibly encourage the otter to breed.
Hericium cirrhatum (Pers.: Fr.) Karst. Fungi: Hericiaceae
This rare fungus was found in January 2001 in the eastern part of the park near the large Walnut
(Juglans regia) actually on decaying log-wood from another felled Walnut. In Essex, outside Epping
Forest, this species (and other Hericium spp.) are virtually unknown. Nationally it is also considered
to be a rare species.
Vespa crabro
Essex Parks: Section 2 - Hylands Park