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Lists of species that have been observed within the Valley can be seen by here and then using the navigation bars to find the families you want to view.
The wildlife of the River Glaven Conservation Group is being surveyed by several of the Committee members, and this note deals with mammals and birds. The area concerned is the entire catchment area extending from Gunthorpe to Baconsthorpe in the south narrowing to Wiveton-Salthouse at the coast. The area is mostly farmland but there is a range of habitats including woods, heaths, water meadows and the river itself.
The mammal of greatest concern is fortunately absent - mink. This alien predator can devastate waterside birds and mammals. In its absence water voles are present in good numbers. Otters are difficult to see, but they can be monitored in other ways and they make good use of the Glaven. This could be one reason why mink are absent as otters are thought not to tolerate them. Both red deer and roe deer are regularly seen.
The bird population reflects the range of habitats available, and the total number of species present can be put at 126, of which 68 have bred (these figures do not include birds of the coastal wetlands north of the coast road).
Birds which attract particular attention include kingfisher, barn owl, common buzzard and osprey. The latter uses the Glaven Valley as a flyway on its spring and autumn migration and it also sometimes stays to do a spot of fishing. Common buzzard breed in small but increasing numbers and can be seen wheeling overhead. Kingfisher never fail to thrill all who see them, although usually one gets no more than a fleeting glimpse of that wonderful electric blue. Barn owls are rather more co-operative. They frequently hunt during daylight hours and as they quarter back and forth they offer the chance of sustained views. As winter approaches flocks of pink footed geese and brent geese will provide another splendid sight as they fly from the coast to feeding grounds on the farms inland.
Birds which attract particular attention include kingfisher, barn owl, common buzzard and osprey. The latter uses the Glaven Valley as a flyway on its spring and autumn migration and it also sometimes stays to do a spot of fishing. Common buzzard breed in small but increasing numbers and can be seen wheeling overhead. Kingfisher never fail to thrill all who see them, although usually one gets no more than a fleeting glimpse of that wonderful electric blue. Barn owls are rather more co-