Local Wildlife
Credit: Apodemus sylvaticus bosmuis, Rasbak
The landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country has a rich social, economic and natural heritage shaped by a complex history of rural, industrial, and more recent suburban and commercial land use. The wildlife is as varied and valuable as that of any other part of the United Kingdom.
The rare and the special are here, from scarce mammals like water voles and polecats to dragonflies and kingfishers, plus a huge variety of plant life, as documented in the trailblazing book ‘Flora of Birmingham and the Black Country’. Adding spice to this is an astounding mix of species reflecting the many peoples and trades that have come here from around the world – for example plants grown from Argentinian seeds, and African parakeets.
Daubenton's bat
Look out for the Daubenton's bat foraging over wetlands across the UK at twilight. Its flight is fast and agile as it skims the…
Leisler's bat
The Leisler's bat flies fast and high near the treetops, but you might also spot it flying around lamp posts, looking for insects…
Natterer's bat
The natterer's bat can found across the UK, although it is a scarce species. It prefers to forage low down among trees, often…
American mink
Escaped or intentionally freed from fur farms in the 1960s, the American mink is now well established in the UK. Its carnivorous nature…
Weasel
The weasel is a small Musetlid, so is related to the stoat and otter. It has a russet-brown body, short tail and running, almost…
Wildcat
The rare wildcat is so similar to a domestic tabby that interbreeding is a serious threat to its survival. Although known as the '…
Credit: Penny Frith
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