The test range was an important feature of the Oare Gunpowder Works.  Today it is an important area for plants that grow well in full sunlight.  The test range acts like a woodland ride, with trees either side, and the variety of grasses and plants provide homes for many minibeasts.  These include grasshoppers and caterpillars of butterflies and moths.  Management is necessary to control the natural succession of bramble and scrub, and the Friends group do a great job in helping the wildlife in this area.

Invertebrates are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and so need warmth and/or sunshine to help them function.  Grasshoppers and crickets are seen in the grassland area where they become very active on these warm, sunny days in the summer.  The males of both ‘sing’ (stridulate) by rubbing body parts together.  When you visit Oare in the summer-time listen carefully and see if you can hear songs from different species.