A big thanks to everyone who took part at our first 24 hour Bioblitz at Bell Lake Marsh in June. Despite forecasts of rain and drizzle, we were delighted to enjoy glorious sunshine, which really helped to bring out the wildlife. Together, we managed to record a total of 281 unique species/taxa – 148 of which had never previously been recorded at this site! Some of the weekend’s highlights: • We are very grateful to George Davis for bringing his moth traps to the Bioblitz. The site was more-or-less virgin territory for mothing, so the majority of new species records are thanks to him! • We also set up some live Small Mammal (Longworth) Traps overnight and, as well as lots of Wood Mice of various sizes, we were lucky enough to catch a Water Shrew! • When the sun went down, we were treated to an aerial display of bats, made even more vivid with the aid of Gary’s bat detector. • Some more of our favourite species recorded include Sparrowhawk, Common Lizard, Great Green Bush-cricket, Angular Orb-weaver Spider, 13 species of Dragonfly and Damselfly (including the site’s rare specialist, the Small Red Damselfly) and some rather fascinating galls. You can visit our Facebook group page for a full list of species recorded. This year’s Bioblitz now sets a precedent for the coming years. We have not yet confirmed a second Bioblitz, but I can say that all who took part thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and I’m sure we can expect to see a repeat event within the next few years. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact our work will make on the species count. In the meantime, please do let us know about your sightings on our Facebook page or email me at [email protected]. Laura
0 Comments
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 Steve Jones went along to Bell Lake Marsh with David Chapman to do some background work on the article that David is writing about the Red River Rescuers work along the valley since we started last September and they were treated to an absolutely fantastic display of aerial acrobatics and dog fights over the new scrape! Steve said " It couldn't have been a better example of the good that we have done, 2 or 3 Four-spot Chasers scrapping it out for supremacy with a Broad-bodied Chaser & couple of Keeled Skimmers while the damselflies looked on. Plus, sitting there around the edge of the scrape as they do around countless reservoirs and farm ponds, was a totally new species for the site! A male Black-tailed Skimmer! How good is that! 'Build it and they will come!' " Following the wonderful donation from Western Power Distribution to allow us to buy much needed tools, local company MacSalvors Ltd of Agar Road, Pool were pleased to supply all the equipment we needed at very keen prices which allowed us to buy extra items with the money, effectively an additional sponsorship for which we are very grateful! Red River Rescuers are now fully kitted out with brand new bowsaws and spare blades, loppers, hedge trimmers and 30 pairs of very thick leather gloves, all perfect for dealing with the brambles, gorse and willow that are rapidly obliterating large areas of the Red River Valley Local Nature Reserve. We were also able to purchase two very nice tool boxes to keep all this lovely new kit in! It is heartwarming that Western Power Distribution and MacSalvors Ltd were both very keen to support a local community project, with both companies only a stones throw from the Red River Valley sites and both recognising that this vital wild area would be lost without their contributions and our volunteers efforts. In the photo MacSalvors Shop Manager Paul hands Red River Rescuers Treasurer Gary Barlow the last of the new bowsaws that were put straight to work the next morning at the Bell Lake Marsh work party (See photos from the day in our gallery). You can visit the MacSalvors Ltd website here ( MacSalvors Ltd ) and find out about Western Power Distributions commitment to the environment "Keen to be Green" via their website here ( Western Power Distribution ) |