Images courtesy of John Ford
Roe deer are the most commonly seen mammals at Leadburn. There are perhaps 5-8 animals, also seen on the surrounding fields and heath. These browse and fret the planted trees, so tube protection remains a necessary evil.
Several brown hares use more open areas and are occasionally also seen within the trees.
Molehills are found away from peat.
Foxes are seen occasionally but prints are often seen in snow. Badgers are occasionally killed on the main road. Otters may use the pools as skinned frogs and toads have been found, tracks were seen in snow in 2019 and a dog otter was dead on the road in 2004. Stoats and weasels have been seen occasionally. Rabbits occur on the tracks but are seldom seen. Grey squirrels are present but not often seen. Small rodents, especially short-tailed voles, are seen or heard regularly. Wood mice and all three shrew species have also been recorded. Pipistrelle-type bats can be seen in small numbers along the tracks in summer.
LeadburnWood 