Reforestation In The Lake District

The reforestation schemes in the National Park have however had an even greater effect on the mammals. The increase in small mammals during the early stages of forestation has been mentioned. This is usually followed by an increase in Weasels and Stoats which prey on mice and voles. Rabbits and Hares find the cover afforded by the young woodland to their liking and their numbers also tend to increase, if not controlled by the forester. Foxes are attracted by the supply of mice, voles and rabbits as food and the concealment offered in the young woodland.

However, the species which has undoubtedly profited most by reforestation is the Roe Deer. Not long ago this was a very uncommon animal in England, having been brought to near extinction though present always in the Lake District. Recently, especially during the last 20 years, it has steadily increased until few Lakeland woods are now without roe. This does not mean that visitors can expect to see this graceful little animal. It is extremely shy and except in very secluded places, it is predominantly nocturnal. The roe does a certain amount of damage especially to young plantations. However, as more woodland matures and the need for extensive new plantations declines the roe will become less of a problem, and it is hoped that it will be accepted by foresters as one of our most attractive animals and a natural part of the forest fauna. Arrother animal which has made a comeback as the result of forestation is the Pine Marten. This is a larger edition of the stoat and one of Britain's rarest animals.

It is unfortunately a ruthless and bloodthirsty hunter taking among other things squirrels, birds and their eggs. For the latter it has suffered at the hands of gamekeepers and poultry keepers. Nevertheless, it appears to have maintained a precarious existence by retreating to the crags of some of the higher fells. It is however much more arboreal than any of its relatives and the reappearance of extensive State forests with their seclusion and food supply have undoubtedly saved it from extinction. Perhaps when the new forests mature this agile and attractive animal may be able to maintain itself within their boundaries.

It may indeed prove itself to be the forester's ally by controlling the numbers of wood pigeons breeding in the forests and the spread of grey squirrels should these become the menace here that they are in other parts of the country. At frequent intervals the Polecat, the marten's nearest relative, is recorded in the National Park. (This is an animal which is more at home in open country but benefits from the seclusion afforded by the State forests in Wales and might therefore be expected in the Lake District.) Like the marten, it is a bloodthirsty creature and although it used to be fairly common in the Park area it is now almost certainly extinct.

It is closely related to the domestic ferret and indeed dif fermentation between it and the so called 'polecat' ferret is a matter for the specialist. Undoubtedly, the records of polecats in the National Park relate to feral! ferrets, the numbers of which have probably increased since the advent of myxomatosis when many were 'liberated' by their owners. A species which is more at home in lowland deciduous woods and spinneys, but which may be encountered at quite high altitudes on the fells or in coniferous plantations where other conditions suit it, is the Badger. Like the roe, it is nocturnal and therefore rarely seen by the layman unless it happens to be picked out by the headlights of a passing car in some quiet country lane or becomes a casualty of the road or railway, fox digging operations etc.