Marsh Frog and Marsh Helleborine

At the western end of Romney Marsh lie the Rye levels and some interesting wildlife can be found in the ditches, pools and scrapes of the shingle flats. The Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda) is a non-native species which was introduced onto Romney Marsh in the 1930's. It is now common in the area and is one of my favourite amphibians; its raucous croaking sounding a bit like laughter from the underworld.

 Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda) (adult)

 

 Marsh Frog (R. ridibunda) (sub-adult)

 

The beautiful Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris) is rare in East Sussex but can be found in some shingle scrapes