Blog - predators

Wood Ants film

Wood Ants film

by Angus, 15 August, 2018, 3 comments

WoodlandsTV has made a new ant film that shows wildlife film maker, Tom Hartwell taking a closer look at the life of Wood Ants. With numbers decreasing across the UK it is important to pay more attention to these fascinating creatures and the role they play within our ecosystem. There are over 200 species of Formica rufa - the scientific name for Wood ants. As the name suggests they are most commonly found in woodlands but some species are also found in grasslands. Read more...

The harlequin ladybird

The harlequin ladybird

by Chris, 18 March, 2012, 1 comments

Some six years ago, there was a post about the harlequin ladybird (Harmonium axyridis)– aka Multicoloured Asian Ladybird and the Halloween Ladybird - a ‘newcomer’ to these isles, and which might prove to be a threat to the native species. The harlequin ladybird in an Asian species that has been used for pest control (aphids etc). All ladybirds are beetles. They belong to the order – Coleoptera – and are characterized by having forewings modified as hard wing covers or ELYTRA and biting mouthparts (cf. butterflies and moths). Now some years later, research by scientists at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology have evidence of strong link between the arrival of the harlequin ladybird and the decline in other species of ladybirds. Seven out of the eight native british species have declined – with some now described as being ‘near the threshold of detection’; similar issues have arisen in Belgium and Switzerland where the harlequin ladybird is also present. Read more...

Signal Crayfish

Signal Crayfish

by Lewis, 2 March, 2012, 2 comments

Plants and animals from different parts of the world are being ‘mixed’ up as worldwide travel by train, boat and plane increases year by year. The woodlands' blog has reported on a number of plants and animals that are regarded as ‘aliens’ or invasive species, for example, the 'killer shrimp'. Sometimes the ‘concern’ proves to be unfounded, but the arrival of various pathogens can be problematical for 'native species'. At some point back in the 1970’s, the North American signal crayfish arrived in the U.K. Since that time it has spread through various river systems, particularly in South and South East England, at the rate of 2 km per year (approx.). Its spread may have been assisted by damp fishing gear. It would seem that the signal crayfish is out-competing the native white clawed crayfish (that is, native to Europe, including England, Wales and Ireland – but not Scotland). Read more...

Invasions and introductions…

Invasions and introductions…

by Lewis, 19 January, 2011, 3 comments

The native community of the U.K. is limited when compared to continental Europe. The last Ice Age saw vast, thick glaciers covering much of Scotland and the Lake District, and all parts of the U.K. experienced a deep and long lasting arctic climate. Plants and animals could only repopulate the land as and when the glaciers retreated and the climate improved. Such movement was possible whilst the U.K. was still connected to Europe (Doggerland see the blog on “Our Changing Flora” ). However, about 9500 BC, a giant flood broke through the ‘rock dam’ in the region of the Straits of Dover. The flood washed away billions of tons of material creating the English Channel and separating the U.K. from Europe. Read more...

Finding and encouraging reptiles in woodlands

Finding and encouraging reptiles in woodlands

by Martin Garwood, 24 August, 2010, 5 comments

Reptiles and woodland The first time I came across a Grass Snake in our newly bought wood I almost trod on it, it was a real surprise and I was so lost in my own thoughts it really startled me. I had not thought the woodland provided a very suitable habitat for reptiles and in many respects, it didn’t. Read more...

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