Ecological monitoring
We have been monitoring our bumblebees, butterflies, birds, botany and earthworms since we started rewilding. We also have some data from before rewilding started, enabling us to understand some of the changes that have happened here. Find out more about some of our key statistics below.
Assisting with ecological monitoring can be a great way to learn and develop skills (including surveying and species identification), connect with the natural world, and directly contribute to rewilding and restoration.
If you'd like to get involved, visit the 'contact us' page and let us know!
Bumblebees
In 2023, there were 116 times more bumblebees compared to when there was intensive agriculture in 2021.
Ten different species were recorded in 2023, with the most abundant species being red-tailed, white-tailed and buff-tailed bumblebees. Species biodiversity has increased since we started rewilding, with different types of bees using the habitats here, with lots of nectar, pollen and potential nesting spots. We use the BeeWalk method by the Bumbleee Conservation Trust to record our sightings.
Butterflies
The abundance of butterflies has more than tripled since we started rewilding.
Eleven different species were identified in 2023 and the most abundant species were ringlet, peacock and small white butterflies, with an increase in species diversity since intensive farming ended. Two new species for us were spotted in 2023 – red admiral and comma. We follow the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.
Birds
In our first year 11 red-listed bird species of conservation concern were recorded. By year three this had increased to 17.
In our first year, 58 different bird species were recorded. This had risen to 77 species by our third year. New species for the last year included peregrine, common sandpiper and garden warbler. Early birds are more than welcome to join our weekly bird surveys!
Earthworms
There were over fifteen times more earthworms recorded in 2024 compared to 2021 when there was intensive farming.
Worms are indicators of biodiversity and a crucial part of ecosystems, recycling organic matter, improving soil structure, and acting as a tasty snack for other wildlife!
Botany
Fields that were previously barley monoculture have been naturally colonised by over 80 different native species.
Abundant species include cat's ear, spear thistle, rosebay willowherb and smooth hawksbeard. Trees including birch, oak, willow and rowan have also naturally regenerated.
Photo highlights
A selection of photos from when we are out and about monitoring.
