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Blog - insects

Climatic debt

Climatic debt

by Chris, 28 February, 2012, 0 comments

Butterfly Conservation UK and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology have been involved in the monitoring the status of butterflies through various citizen science schemes*.   UK butterflies (and indeed, birds) are probably the best-studied wildlife groups thanks to the dedication of an enormous workforce of highly skilled and committed volunteer recorders. Butterflies and birds have been observed and recorded in detail for many, many years and these detailed records and counts yield an invaluable resource of information for the analysis of population change(s). A recent report indicates that some 70% or more of our butterfly species are in decline and that the geographical distribution of many has contracted. Read more...
Wildlife organisations

Wildlife organisations

by Lewis, 17 September, 2011, 2 comments

For those wanting to follow up on the different forms of wildlife in their woodland, the following organisations / societies might be of interest / use.  For each there is a link and a snippet from the organisation's website. Website of the British Arachnological Society (wiki.britishspiders.org.uk). "Here you can find information on those fascinating animals, arachnids. Our emphasis is on British spiders but we don't exclude other arachnids such as Harvestmen (opilionids), Pseudoscorpions and Scorpions". Read more...
Dragonflies and Damselflies.......

Dragonflies and Damselflies…….

by Chris, 30 June, 2011, 0 comments

The trend in the weather since the 1980’s has been for a general increase in temperature.  Perhaps, in consequence, new species of dragonfly and damselfly have arrived in Britain from the warmer climates of Southern Europe. The following species have been recorded to date the Willow Emerald the Southern Migrant Hawker the Southern Emerald Damselfly the Vagrant Emperor the Small red-eyed Damselfly and the Dainty Damselfly. Read more...
Wildlife surveys

Wildlife surveys

by Lewis, 7 May, 2011, 3 comments

There is a considerable number of different surveys running throughout the country, some of which might hold a particular interest for you.  Many 'natural history' organisations / charities are dependent on the input from volunteers to monitor the status of plant and animal populations throughout the UK or specific local areas - especially in these financially difficult times. Read more...
great tit

Feed The Birds?

by Chris, 10 October, 2008, 1 comments

Whilst it always good to see wildlife in a natural setting, such as a woodland, it is also good to encourage wildlife in our gardens. The woodland blog last year listed some of the strategies that might encourage insects and invertebrates in our gardens.  It is also possible to encourage birds into our gardens, just as Catherine wrote about managing woodlands for birds.  Many ‘everyday’ urban species of bird populations have declined in recent times: house sparrows by approximately 60% and starlings perhaps by 75%.  Read more...
Midges, Mosquitoes and Marmite - coping with insects in woodlands

Midges, Mosquitoes and Marmite – coping with insects in woodlands

by Angus, 13 June, 2008, 33 comments

There are lots of ways to cope with the irritation of being bitten by insects in woodlands and here are some ideas from various experienced woodland workers. Avoid Them Altogether First of all consider when mosquitoes and midges are most active.  In the winter, early spring and autumn mosquitoes and midges are much less active so this is a good time to do your energetic, outdoor work.  Carbon dioxide from breathing and from forestry machinery will attract insects so it's good to avoid doing major forestry operations in the summer months if possible. Read more...
Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and Damselflies

by catherine, 23 May, 2008, 3 comments

Now the weather is warmer, dragonflies and damselflies are quite common around ponds and areas of water. Their beautiful iridescence and double wings are quite distinctive, but what is the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly? Read more...
Butterflies and Woodlands

Butterflies and Woodlands

by Michael, 16 May, 2008, 5 comments

Butterfly Conservation has just launched a £900,000 conservation scheme to encourage better woodland management for butterflies in the South-East. Read more...

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