Rare insect species found at wildlife reserve (From Dorset Echo)

Rare insect species found at wildlife reserve

2:00pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Emma Walker

AN ARRAY of rare wildlife has been discovered at a Dorset nature reserve.

Results of a recent survey revealed an exciting increase of unexpected bugs in constructed ponds at Dorset Wildlife Trust's Tadnoll and Winfrith reserve.

Three nationally scarce beetles, a rare large broadwings mayfly, a scarce blue blue-tailed dragonfly and the small red damselfly were uncovered.

The beetles, which do not even have their own English names, were found in the reserve's ponds.

It is only the second record for Dorset of the rare mayfly since the first discovery in the River Frome back in 1970.

The survey found 37 species of beetle as well as 13 species of dragonfly.

Sarah Williams, conservation officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), said: “The invertebrate survey has been fantastic, showing us what species have moved in to these ponds, in a relatively short time-scale.

“As part of the Purbeck Nature Improvement Area, DWT plans to create more ponds and wetland features on the Old Prison Fields to increase these important habitats.”

The wetlands were created in 2008 by re-profiling ditches and constructing three ponds.

It was initially designed to encourage wading birds, including snipe and lapwings, to the Old Prison Fields.

The survey concentrated on both the fields and the new ponds, with the help of an aquatic invertebrate specialist. Water voles have also been sighted along the embankments of the ditches.

Tadnoll and Winfrith reserve is open all year for visitors.

For more information visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/tadnoll_winfrith_reserves.