Chalk downland is not the best
habitat for many of Britain’s reptiles and amphibians, as
they prefer damper environments with more low cover. But the Victorian
water features on the Cholderton Estate and the winterbourne that
flows through the village have attracted a surprising variety
of species.
Adder
This species has been seen only once at Cholderton.
Common
lizard These are widespread in areas of rough grass at
Cholderton, particularly where this is protected from grazing
and the trampling of animals. Common lizards are also found around
Cholderton Park, the waterworks, Bulford Barn and in other areas.
Frog
Cholderton is a very dry landscape with little permanent
water, but frogs do breed in the winterbourne that runs through
the village. They find places where the water remains long enough
for the tadpoles to develop. From here the tiny froglets spread
out and move over a huge area in the five or more years that they
take to become sexually mature. The restored Victorian pond at
Cholderton Park has become an important breeding site for them.
Great
crested newt A few of these largest and rarest of UK
newts used to share the softwater tanks at the waterworks with
the smooth newts. They are occasionally found under stones and
logs in the winter and are now believed to be in the restored
Victorian pond in the park.
Slow
worm Slow worms inhabit a wide range of grassy, scrubby
areas, and are also occasionally found in Cholderton’s water
inspection pits.
Smooth
newt Common in the old softwater tanks near the waterworks,
smooth newts are also found in the Victorian bathing pool at Cholderton
Park.
Toad
The nearest breeding site for this species is several miles away,
but individuals do turn up and are now breeding in the pond at
Cholderton Park.
