Sylvan sanctuary
In some parts of the country, red squirrels depend on mad-made conifer forests where they have an advantage over grey squirrels as they are better adapted to eat the seeds of pine cones. But the great success story of the conifer plantations is the goshawk. Made extinct in Britain in the late 19th century, this bird of prey has been reintroduced and there are now nearly 500 pairs, mostly in Wales. The problem for some people is that goshawks prey on black grouse. Some predatory mammals have also benefited from these conifer plantations. Pine martens, for example, have made a slow but steady comeback over the last fifty years, as have wild cats since conifer stands provide an ideal habitat for their prey - voles and small birds.
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nature
Be captivated, informed and inspired by the world's wildlife.
More clips from WINTER REFLECTIONS
-
Dance for the ladies
Duration: 01:11
-
Wild boars
Duration: 00:55
-
Swirling starlings
Duration: 01:17
-
Industrial fallout
Duration: 00:48
More clips from Living Britain
-
Winter scavengers—DEEPEST WINTER
Duration: 01:20
-
Winter waders—DEEPEST WINTER
Duration: 02:06
-
Springing to life—DEEPEST WINTER
Duration: 03:42
-
Industrial age otters—DEEPEST WINTER
Duration: 00:58