Mammals at Hylands Park
Rabbit and Hare
The Rabbit from anecdotal evidence (and from the amount of rabbit-proof fencing around some of
the 1970s plantations - ie Home Farm and Pond) was much more abundant in the recent past.
Today rabbits are controlled throughout the park, but are still frequently sighted. There is still a
small, active warren in the formal gardens area. I have seen a single black rabbit in the park.
Myxomatosis is also probably present. An individual with characteristic symptoms of the disease
was seen near the main gate in June 2002.
The Brown Hare was apparently much more common and a breeding species at Hylands twenty
years ago. It is rare now with just two sightings - one on the Lake Field in late 1999 and another
disturbed from Oak Plantation in April 2003. It is surmised that human disturbance and dogs chasing
the adults has caused Hylands to become less suitable. There are a number of records from fields
west of the park.
Grey Squirrel
The Grey Squirrel is present and particularly noticeable in the formal gardens area. Here it will eat
the newly opened buds off the Horse Chestnut trees and also raid the wheelie bins for food scraps.
The species has been culled in the past, but is currently not considered to be a serious problem,
Hylands being regarded as an amenity rather than a commercial forestry undertaking.
Mole
The Mole is a common species at Hylands. Some areas of the park, such as the lower Lake Field,
seeming to have more than their fair share of mole hills. The mole hills that have appeared over
winter have to be harrowed-out before grass mowing can begin. Moles are controlled in the formal
gardens, but it is thought the burgeoning park population soon supplies another individual to take
over the vacant territory.
Common Rat
The Common Rat (or Brown Rat) has been seen in a number of places in the park - formal gardens
(by the lake), house, stable block, Writtle Wood, near Writtle Gate and Home Farm Pond. All
sightings are of individuals; it has never been seen in numbers.
Fox
Surprisingly often seen during the day and from the evidence of 'scats', is widespread and probably
common in the park. I have, however, only ever found one earth.
Mustelids
Weasels are not uncommon in the park. I made a number of sightings of individuals hunting small
mammals in the vicinity of the flower beds in the formal gardens. I have seen a few out in the wider
park. Stoats may have been more frequent at Hylands in the past, but 1 have only a record of a
single individual seen running from the formal gardens to the Home Farm in March 2002.
156
Essex Parks: Section 2 - Hylands Park