Wildlife & Ecological Evidence
The Hobneys are not simply open fields. They form part of a connected living landscape of grassland, mature hedgerows, established trees, ponds, woodland edges and watercourses. Together, these different habitats provide places for wildlife to feed, shelter, breed and move safely through the countryside.
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The land lies alongside Hobday Hills Plantation and slopes towards Hooborough Brook, creating an important connection between woodland, wetland and open countryside. Its hedgerows and field margins may act as natural wildlife corridors, allowing bats, birds, mammals, amphibians and insects to travel between habitats. The ecological importance of the Hobneys therefore cannot be understood by examining each field in isolation, the site must be considered as part of the wider habitat network surrounding Donisthorpe.
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Residents have spent years observing and photographing the wildlife found across the Hobneys. Reported sightings include bats, red kites, amphibians and numerous species of birds, insects, wildflowers and plants. The site’s ponds, trees, hedgerows and less-disturbed areas may support species whose presence is not always immediately visible during a limited survey. Wildlife changes with the seasons, weather and time of day, meaning that a landscape can appear quiet while still performing an essential ecological role.
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This page brings together residents’ photographs, recorded sightings, historical information, habitat observations and available ecological evidence. Its purpose is to build a clearer picture of the biodiversity of the Hobneys and demonstrate why proportionate, seasonal and thorough ecological assessment is essential before any irreversible decisions are made.
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Development would not affect only the ground beneath new buildings. Artificial lighting, noise, increased human disturbance, habitat fragmentation, the removal or alteration of vegetation and changes to drainage could influence the wider ecological network. Roads and gardens may separate feeding areas from nesting, breeding or sheltering habitats, while additional hard surfaces could change how water moves downhill towards the ponds and Hooborough Brook.
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Every photograph and wildlife record contributes another piece of evidence. Together, they reveal that the Hobneys are not vacant or unused land: they are a functioning landscape, connected to the surrounding woodland, water and countryside, and shared by a rich community of plants and animals.
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Once an established habitat network has been fragmented or lost, its complexity cannot be instantly recreated through landscaping or newly planted areas. Protecting the Hobneys means protecting the relationships between its grasslands, hedgerows, ponds, trees and neighbouring habitats and giving its wildlife the opportunity to continue thriving for generations to come.
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Help us record the wildlife of the Hobneys
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Most of the photographs featured on this page retain their original geolocation information, allowing the location of each sighting to be evidenced. These records are also being uploaded to the iRecord database, where they can contribute to a verified and lasting record of the wildlife, flora and fauna found across the Hobneys and the surrounding landscape.
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We would love local residents to help us build this evidence. If you photograph a wild animal, bird, insect, plant, tree, fungus or wildflower in the area, please consider downloading the iRecord app and submitting your sighting.
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When possible, include a clear photograph, the date, location and species identification. Please do not disturb wildlife or enter private land to obtain a record.
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Every submission helps create a fuller picture of local biodiversity. Even sightings of familiar or common species are valuable, as repeated records can show how wildlife uses the landscape throughout the seasons and over time.
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Together, we can create a community-powered ecological record of the Hobneys and ensure that its wildlife is seen, documented and properly considered.
