We are very lucky to have such a range of habitat in a relatively small site. The pools are important for many creatures, and a focal point for calm and beauty enjoyed by many people. Gallerys of images of wildlife can be seen here.
Within the site, there is a great deal of woodland covering the steep banks, and marshy ground near the end of the canal, plus small areas of meadow near the bus stop entrance, on the north facing bank near Shepherds Lane and an improving flower meadow on the highest ground. There are the grassy paddocks and valuable bramble and nettle patches, while towards the top of the mound there is acid grass and heather – a legacy of coal mining, now becoming a rare feature in the Telford landscape. The site needs a certain amount of management to ensure that too much tree growth and ivy cover does not shade and crowd out some species, while leaving areas as wild and untouched as possible. Many organisations support the work undertaken so that we understand what the priorities are. The action plan accompanying the management plan drawn up in 2015 and revised in 2017 is due to be updated in consultation between the three partner organisations – Telford Council, Ketley Parish Council and the FoKPM.
Sightings and surveys
Listed below are the intial surveys done on Paddock Mound in the first few years of setting up the friends group.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust did two surveys in 2013 on 15th June and 30th August. Note that these surveys were carried out when the paddock was under threat of development.
Martin Noble did a Small Mammal survey on 27/06/14. 4 wood mice, 1 vole, (no hedgehogs were found on site but three were found in adjacent gardens).
Martin Noble carried out another Small Mammal survey 22nd to 23th May 2015. 2 male wood mice were found on this occasion
Martin Noble also carried out an Amphibian survey over 17th and 18th June 2015 which found 3 smooth newts, 1 male and 1 female were identified. Numerous beetles and many sticklebacks were seen. Also a toad close to the canal.
Martin Noble carried out an eDNA test for Great Crested Newts on 23/05/15 in the lost pool and the canal but the results were negative. A further test may be carried out on the round pool in due course.
The list below is of species observed on the mound by the Friends of Ketley Paddock Mound and other members of the general public. This list was started in the summer of 2014.
Lizard: Summer 2014: (Fen Tyler)
Dead adder – on Shepherds Lane in 2014 bordering the Paddock.
Dead badger – on Holyhead Road February 2015 bordering the paddock.
Two coots leaving the canal: 2014: (Wendy Stubbs)
Kingfisher: numerous sightings November 2014 – November 2015: Blue tits, blackbird, dunnock, robin, fieldfare, great tits, redwing, bullfinches, goldfinches, wasps, red admiral (All reported by Mike Weaver)
Nuthatch and chaffinch: November 2014: (Penny Wysome and Wendy Stubbs)
Red Ants: March 2015: (MW)
Common Toad: April 2015: (WS)
Heron 2015: (Wendy Stubbs and many others !)
Chiffchaff: June 2015: (MW)
Blue Damsel Fly: June: 2015 (MW)
Black Slug:June 15: (MW)
Blackbird:June 15: (MW)
Heron: 25/06/15: (Jenny Jackson)
Common Lizard: 25/06/15: (JJ)
Crane fly: 06/15: (JJ)
Mallard family: summer 15: (Maggie Evans)
Toadlets: 07/15: (Kate Turner)
Spiders various: 07/15: (MW)
Buzzards: Frequent sightings throughout the year: (WS)
Forest shield bugs: 10/15: (MW)
Mallards throughout the summer 2015: (WS)
On 12/10/15 Fen Tyler reported hearing Tawny Owls
Heron: 9/11/15 (MW)
Kingfisher: 9/11/15 (MW)
Garden cross spider: 10/15: (MW)
Buzzards, Bullfinches, Blackbirds, Long tailed tits, Blue tits Numerous sightings reported
Many new sightings and some great photographs are often posted on our facebook page
The Friends of Ketley Paddock Mound 