Our new site recorder Laura gives us an insight into the diversity of life we are starting to uncover with all the extra attention our primary site is receiving! "2013 was a fantastic year for wildlife recording at Bell Lake Marsh. Together we totalled over 160 individual records, including 49 species/genera never before recorded on the site! Some of the year’s highlights: • The impressive spider Araneus angulatus, a British rarity (see photo), was recorded here for the first time in nearly 30 years. • Among the many dragonflies making their home here, the Black-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum made an appearance this year, bringing the total species of dragonfly to 18. • The new scrape has already been colonised by a huge variety of species – frogs, newts, diving beetles, caddisflies and many types of water bug. • Almost immediately after creating south-facing banks from the excess earth after digging out the scrape, we were pleased to see the Field Digger Wasp Mellinus arvensis making excellent use of the soft, bare soil for its burrows. 2014 is sure to be as remarkable as the last, with possible plans for a Bioblitz in the summer. After all of our conservation work that has gone on over the past year, we may be in for a few surprises, so keep your eyes peeled and let us know about your sightings either on our Facebook Group Page or by email to [email protected]. The species list is growing, but there are still many gaps in our knowledge so lend us your expertise – whatever your interest, from flowers to fungi, birds to bryophytes, it would be great to hear from you!" Laura
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