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Coppice and dead wood

Coppice and dead wood

by Thomas Kenny, 1 April, 2012, 2 comments

I am currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Forestry and Woodland Management at Plumpton College in East Sussex and am preparing a dissertation on dead wood in coppice woodlands. Coppicing is a well-known silvicultural practice, carried out in the UK for the purpose of habitat and wildlife conservation, and for sustainable timber production / products. It is widely accepted that, whilst coppicing has many benefits for conservation, ‘woodland historically managed as coppice is generally lacking in dead wood’  (FC 2002). Earlier literature such as Buckley (1992) and Kimmins (1997), supports the view that there is a general lack of dead wood presence within actively managed coppice woodlands. 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...
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...
European Red List

European Red List

by Chris, 19 July, 2010, 2 comments

Many insect species are under threat - butterflies , dragonflies, beetles; according to the Red List.  In most cases, this can be associated with habitat loss. Read more...
Deadwood

Deadwood

by catherine, 10 October, 2008, 2 comments

Traditionally woodland was kept “clean” by clearing away fallen timber. However, nowadays it is recognised that deadwood has an important part to play in forest management. Deadwood was removed to prevent the transfer of disease and pests – a mistaken belief as it happens, for almost all species which inhabit deadwood are specific to that habitat (“saproxylic”) and will not inhabit living wood. Now deadwood is recognised as an essential part of the forest ecosystem. Read more...
Can you help with more surveys?

Can you help with more surveys?

by Mike Thompson, 13 June, 2006, 0 comments

Apart from the bluebell and ladybird surveys, various other learned bodies / organisations are appealing for help in recording certain insects. For example, the British Dragonfly Society Biological Records Centre would like people to look out for a damselfly called the banded demoiselle. The adult banded demoiselle may be found flying (between May and September) near rivers, canals and streams with abundant waterside vegetation. Read more...
Where have all the hedgehogs gone?

Where have all the hedgehogs gone?

by Chris, 16 May, 2006, 5 comments

The number of hedgehogs has declined in recent years. This is evidenced by surveys like that of the Mammals Trust UK, which has undertaken road surveys since 2001. Figures suggest that the hedgehog population has fallen significantly in the last few years, in some areas of the East and South East the fall in numbers has been particularly dramatic (see Read more...

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