Insects were abundant, particularly butterflies such as the red admiral, peacock, fritillary, cabbage white and large "hawking" species of dragonflies, such as the common hawker ("Aeshna juncea"). This last species was common in the area of the old duck pond. Wasp nests were a common occurrence in the old hedge walls and both red ants and black ants were to be found under stones beside the pathways. Mammals included hedgehogs, shrews, mice and bats (pipistrelles), which were common, as were grey squirrels. Amphibian species were frogs and toads in wetter places such as the old pampas on the front lawn.