Wildlife
MothsApley Castle Woods has no current wildlife status or protection but Telford and Wrekin Council are currently working to get it listed as a local nature reserve (LNR).
With its wide range of habitats within the 56 acre site, Apley is home to many species. There is a large population of grey squirrels, which are a mixed blessing as well as rabbits, badgers and the occasional fox. Moles are also common and you may witness the fruits of their digging as you explore the site.
A small mammal survey has yet to be done but the open grassland and glades in the woods are good habitats for species such as the field vole and bank vole. Likely to be found in hedge bottoms and areas with a bit more cover are the mice and shrews. A good population of rodents usually results in predators to keep natures balance and evening visitors may be rewarded with a site or sound of the Tawny owl and the less common Barn owl.
Five species of bats have been recorded here including Pipistrelle and Noctule bats. Particularly important to them is the mixture of woodland, meadows and open water. Noctule bats roost in the old trees and bat boxes have been put up to encourage summer roosting.
This is also a good site for many of the commoner dragonfly, damselfly and butterfly species and our last moth night recorded 73 species! For more information on what was found, please contact us
As birds, plants and trees have a bit more information around them, they have their own sections.
Bank Vole
Supported by
- Supporting images
- Bank Vole
- Bats
- Barn Owl
- Bank Vole
Support Apley Woods and make a donation through localgiving.com
We are looking for volunteers.... See Your participation.
Friends of Apley Woods are now on Facebook.
- Photography Competition
see news page
- Dogs in Apley Woods
It has come to the councils attention that there are rumors regarding our intention to keep dogs on leads in Apley Woods. You can be assured that this is not true and has no basis for fact. Telford and Wrekin council.