Three species of amphibians have been seen on the Wildlife Site, Common Frog (Rana temporaria), Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris).
Locations where we have seen these amphibians include the pond in Field 3 and the garden at Downlee Lodge. One particular feature in the garden is a very large (2.5m x 2.5m) stone slab and we have seen all three species emerge from under this stone slab on various occasions after dark.
The Common Frog is seen occasionally in the Wildlife Site wet fields (Fields 3 and 4) and hopping around in the Garden at Downlee Lodge at night. Frogs have spawned in the shallows of the pond in Field 3.
The Common Toad is now a species on the local Biodiversity Action Plan List. It is seen occasionally hiding in fields on the wildlife site and in the garden at Downlee Lodge, sometimes at night. One purpose for the pond in Field 3 was to attract toads, by providing shallows but also deep sections that would not freeze in winter. We have seen toads in the shallows but have not yet seen evidence of them breeding there.
Smooth Newt has only been seen once and that emerged from beneath the stone slab in the garden at night
Another observation that might be taken as an indication of the presence of amphibians is the strange Star Jelly found in the hay meadow, Field 2, on rare occasions.
Photographs of Frog Toad and Newt
Click on the photograph for larger images and captions.
Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Common Frog Common Toad Smooth Newt
