What different kinds of animals should i be able to find in Saddleworth

[diggleken]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Can any of you Saddleworth lads confirm a report I heard from a few years ago, of a young, dead, dog otter found near Brownhill Visitor Centre?
In my old ranger days, I got talking to a couple who swore they saw an otter early one morning in the canal between Littleborough and Tod' about ten years ago. From their description it was far too big for a mink anyway.
One animal I think could be on the brink of returning to the South Pennines is the polecat. They are spreading like billy o and surely it is only a matter of time. It was only about 100 years ago (I think) that the last confirmed Saddleworth one was smoked out of a drain near Denshaw.

Regards, Chris

Sorry Chris, my only spots have been Mink in Uppermill - BUT - on the Countryside stall I was doing at Ashton farmers market 2 months ago, a couple told me of otters regularly seen in Grotton!
I get told of all sorts of strange sightings on these events! Some are true though, Roe deer in particular.
There is a little brook there in Grotton, feeding the river Medlock, but all too small to support such a mammal.
As you can imagine, I quizzed to the third degree and suggested all sorts, but they were adamant and said they have pics, but they didnt send them on to me, so ......................
Polecats??????
Cheers
Ken

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by James M

Not surprised about Polecats, I noticed there was a record for a roadkill Polecat in Royton so not far off!.

Most interesting James. Not heard of that. Where did you see that record? If a genuine one has been discovered dead in Royton then I'd expect the odd one or two already in the quieter, hillier parts (ie South Pennines) of SE Lancs and the West Riding.

Regards, Chris

[James M]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Most interesting James. Not heard of that. Where did you see that record? If a genuine one has been discovered dead in Royton then I'd expect the odd one or two already in the quieter, hillier parts (ie South Pennines) of SE Lancs and the West Riding.

Regards, Chris

Well it was written in one of the wildlife log books in the Brownhill centre, I suppose I should have asked whether it was confirmed or not as it might have been a dead ferret, but nevertheless I think you're right that they should be here any time soon if they are already in parts of South Manchester and Cheshire.

[James M]

Went to the Brownhill centre today and there was indeed a dead otter found nearby a few years ago Chris, however none seen since despite the many alleged sightings which were mostly likely Minks. Also was told about a possible place for Adders.

[Saddleworth Bred]

I'm gonna go looking for Mink tommorrow in Uppermill, still no camera but they'd be nice to see. It would be amazing to see adders, i didn't think we had any type of snake around here.

[diggleken]

Neither did I !
Ken

[James M]

Well in that case I consider it my challenge to see one and get a photo even if it takes me years . The lady at the Brownhill centre said a local says he has seen them in a church yard in Delph, even if it's a load of rubbish and there are none, I'm still determined to have a good go at looking for them.

[Saddleworth Bred]

So if i'm passing through Delph and see some one lurking in a church yard with a camera i'll know it's not grave robbers eyeing up the place

[James M]

hehe

[Saddleworth Bred]

When we were talking about cameras you mentioned your fuji fine pix s5600, is the s8000 just a better model or is it a different type of camera altogether?