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The Wood Mice of Wytham

Trai Anfield visits Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, where wood mice, a vital part of woodland ecology, have been studied since 1943.

In the company of Marc Brouard and Nigel Fisher, Conservator of Wytham Woods, Trai Anfield hears how these small mammals have a vital role to play in the ecology of the woodland.

Wytham Woods, is reputedly, the most studied woodland in World. Marc Brouard is the latest in a long line of scientific researchers to undertake field studies on small mammals. In 1943 Charles Elton, known as 'the father of modern ecology', studied wood mice and bank voles and his work was followed up by H.N. Southern who examined the impact of predation by tawny owls on populations of small mammals. Marc aims to understand how the characteristics of individual wood mice and bank voles can affect the survival of each species.

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22 minutes

Last on

Sun 15 Feb 2015 06:35
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Nigel Fisher

Nigel Fisher has been Conservator of Wytham woods since July 2000, having previously worked for and the . Mr Fisher has a Bsc in geography and an Msc in Environmental Forestry.

He has said the role of Conservator has been described as "the person who creates the playing field for the researchers of Oxford to play on".

Marc Brouard

Marc Brouard
Currently studying for a doctorate in Zoology at the University of Oxford, Marc Brouard's research area is small mammal population dynamics and interactions, in particular how scientists can use field data, commonly collected by researchers, to better understand the ecology and behaviour of small mammals.

Picture: Marc Brouard with Trai Anfield

Broadcast

  • Sun 15 Feb 2015 06:35
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Natural Histories

Natural Histories

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Related Links

  • (www.wytham.ox.ac.uk)
  • (www.wytham.ox.ac.uk)