Wildlife Trust Ecology Groups Reserves & Living Landscapes Survey and Monitoring Newsletter: Winter 2016/17

Dr Paul Tinsley-Marshall | Conservation Evidence Ecologist e: [email protected] w: http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Wildlife Trust, , Sandling Lane, , Kent, ME14 3BD

Introduction reserves permits have carried out quantitative data using consistent The Ecology Groups winter surveys on KWT reserves, however and repeatable methodologies. In newsletter is an annual newsletter much of the survey data was creating the strategy and plans, we sent to all KWT Ecology Group collected in an ad hoc manner. With have assessed what groups of members, wildlife surveyors and the creation of the new post of species are most useful: species that reserves staff. This edition will give a Conservation Evidence Ecologist in are best suited to assessing the brief behind the scenes look at 2015, KWT launched the Reserves status and management of different KWT’s Reserves Monitoring Strategy, Monitoring Strategy to standardise habitat types. For instance, birds are and I hope the newsletter will clearly the way survey data is collected very useful in many habitats where explain the origins, aims and across the county, to ensure it there are distinct assemblages of structure of some of the provides a robust evidence base, specialist species of those habitat programme. Each year many and to inspire, train and involve types; woodpeckers, marsh tit and volunteers contribute enormously to volunteers through Ecology Groups. woodcock are woodland birds, reed the success of the programme and I and sedge warblers, water rail and am keen to ensure all those that are bittern are wetland birds. The same involved are as informed as possible. theory applies to , beetles and many other groups. The year in numbers 193 people are now on the Ecology Surveys Groups mailing list; 3 (up from 1) The surveys we carry out aim to 1) Ecology Groups are now up and establish species presence and running; 48 people took part in absence, population trends and Ecology Group surveys on 22 Unusual white pyramidal orchids at habitat condition, 2) inform the Wouldham Common management of reserves by reserves, completing 250 quadrats and generating thousands of Monitoring plans reviewing the success of previous species records, 3446 in the Each reserve and Living Landscape habitat management work and help Smile alone! has a monitoring plan, based on plan for future management their key features as identified in strategies, 3) evidence the success Monitoring strategy management plans. These may be of our conservation work and 4) For many years, staff, volunteers, habitats such as chalk grassland and direct future surveying and amateur and professional naturalists woodland, or species of particular monitoring programmes. For each working under the auspices of KWT conservation importance such as KWT Living Landscape and reserve water vole or Adonis blue . the key features for which the sites Monitoring aims to collect are important are identified in the

management plans and are intrinsic Key species available resources, and scaled-up to in the types of habitat in which they Butterflies and ground beetles are generate a representative map of occur. Features can be of nature especially useful in assessing the the distribution of the surveyed conservation, landscape, condition of chalk grassland, as habitat, species or attribute at the community, visitor or educational there are many species of each that whole site level. interest. For example at our are specialists; species only or reserve in the mainly found in chalk grassland such Medway Smile Living Landscape, as Adonis blue, silver spotted chalk grassland, woodland and early and bombardier beetle. Of spider orchids have been identified course many of these are species are as key nature conservation features. conservation priorities in their own Each feature will have a number of right. attributes which are its characteristics, qualities or Prioritising At Queendown Warren, with the A 25m grid might be appropriate for Marden properties. Attributes are the Meadow (right), but certainly not for resources available, we have measurable performance indicators Nashenden! (Left) which together help to indicate the planned to undertake a habitat An inherent issue with monitoring is condition of the feature. Examples condition assessment (a four year that it is impossible to be certain might be the size of an orchid colony baseline, then once every four what change will occur and where, or frequency and distribution of key years), orchid counts, an annual yet the purpose of monitoring is to grassland species. butterfly transect, and ground beetle pitfall trapping surveys. detect it. Another issue is that if Habitat condition coverage of the whole site is not The attributes of the condition of Heat maps achieved, it is impossible to know if chalk grassland at Queendown We have adopted an approach ‘good’ areas are always in the same Warren (and other sites) include developed by Gloucestershire place, or if they move within a site. positive indicator species, Wildlife Trust that uses GIS The grid square approach allows us undesirable species, bare ground, (Geographic Information Systems) to clearly demonstrate that if a sward height, abundance of herb and the British National Grid to target habitat, species or attribute is cover, and extent of habitat. All create a grid square overlay for each increasing, the number of grid attributes have pre-defined of our nature reserves. This is used squares it occupies will also desirable ranges which represent to scale and structure our sampling increase. If habitat condition is the acceptable range of change by and make it easily repeatable. improving, the number of defining which the attribute can vary without high quality species within a grid cause for concern. If the limits are square will increase - depicted using exceeded then there is a cause for a ‘heat map’. Squares are coloured concern and management work will with a temperature scale, and the need to be planned to address the site will get ‘hotter’ as the number change. The surveys we conduct are of ‘hot’ squares increases. It also designed to monitor the attributes demonstrates exactly where these of each feature and therefore the areas are. You will find examples of condition status of that feature. these maps, produced from the

surveys you have been involved in this year in this newsletter.

The grid can be scaled to reserve size, resource availability and the required resolution of data. This square is very ‘hot’ (the most intense

Wild thyme, a positive indicator species of colour in the scale), indicating that this part of chalk grassland The size of the grid can be scaled to the reserve has 15-19 positive indicator plant both the size of the reserve and the species

Publishing findings survey techniques, and woodland Ecology These maps are just a small part of are especially relevant to the Groups on Facebook the outputs of our monitoring. Over surveys we do on our reserves. The Don’t forget we are on Facebook, a 2017 programmes is almost ready to time I will be publishing more great way to keep in touch, share go to press and will be out soon, photos and identification tips. results from the surveys Ecology available from Groups carry out, demonstrating http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Search ‘Kent Wildlife Trust Ecology how monitoring provides evidence /discover-learn/wildlife-study-days Groups’ and check out our of the Trust’s conservation webpages at management outcomes. http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk /wildlife/ecology-groups Ecology Groups survey programme Want to get involved? Each year a list of surveys across all For any queries or for further details the reserves are planned to help about Ecology Group activities, or to KWT monitor the condition of let us know about wildlife you have reserves and status of species. The seen please contact: paul.tinsley- programme will be sent to all [email protected] Budding carabidologists taking part in the Ecology Group volunteers and ground beetle study day published on our website and social media early in 2017. Recorder database Wildlife Study Days An exciting and critical new Many of the surveys we carry out do development behind the scenes at the Trust is that our Recorder not require volunteers to have any prior knowledge of skill; they need database is up and running; a single Ecology Group volunteers enjoying the view only turn up and learn ‘on the job’. central electronic storage solution while completing a grassland survey For those areas where a little more that holds all of our survey data. expertise is required, our Wildlife Thought all the data stayed on Thank you! Study Day programme is a great way pieces of paper in filing cabinets?! To all those of you who have been to learn and develop an interest in a Nope, thanks to the help of the Kent involved in surveys, collecting the new area, and Ecology Groups are a and Medway Biological Records data we need to assess our great way to put that new found Centre our database currently holds management and the success of our knowledge to use to help our 994,383 (and counting) species Living Landscape projects, I’d like to conservation efforts in Kent. This records for all KWT reserves and say a huge thank you. The Trust year an exciting new Study Day will Local Wildlife Sites, giving staff easy both values and relies on your be launched, focusing on hoverflies, access to the data you help us support. On a personal level I’d like and others such as get more from collect and allowing us to use it to to say a continued huge thank you your bird watching, introduction to help manage our reserves. If you’re for all the help and support I wild flowers, grasses for beginners, particularly good at or interested in received from you in my role of Kentish butterflies, ground beetle this side of our work there are Conservation Evidence Ecologist. I identification and ecology for volunteering opportunities in this continue to meet lots of beginners, breeding bird survey area too, do get in touch! enthusiastic, knowledgeable and methods, songs and calls for dedicated people, and it’s you guys beginners, reptile ecology and that help make this job so exciting. I’m really looking forward to working with you all next year, and hope to meet many more Ecology Group volunteers in 2017. Paul

Paul Tinsley-Marshall Conservation Evidence Ecologist E: [email protected] There are 1260 records of ringlet Aphantopus W: http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk Hoverfly Syrphus rybensis hyperantus on our reserves and Local Wildlife Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling Sites. Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD. Registered Charity No: 239992

Medway Smile Ecology Group

Holborough Marshes, Stockbury Hill Wood, Peter's Pit, , Wouldham Common, Nashenden, Queendown Warren, , , The Larches,

Orchids Chalk grassland Many volunteers enjoy the annual 2016 saw a change in the way we orchid counts that take place on survey habitats, in line with KWT’s many of our reserves. Alison Ruyter new monitoring strategy. The new reflects on the 2016 season: Man method is based on the familiar orchid numbers were up again this rapid/habitat condition assessment year at Darland Banks. Of all the that many of you have helped with, orchids, I think these were least but structured in a way (based on negatively affected by the cooler, grid squares as described above) wetter spring. The rest of the orchid that better allows us to measure and species here put on a reasonable map changes, and to display, show but nothing out of the interpret and use the data in a more Yellow bird’s nest Monotropa hypopitys at The Larches ordinary. meaningful way. These surveys result in our ability to produce maps that clearly display and quantify the data, and establish exactly where and how much of the habitat meets our targets. In 2016 we recorded a massive total of 199 plant species, up from 175 last year. The total number of species

recorded by the survey now stands The varied and colourful grassland sward at Green-winged orchid morio at 248. The data entry for these sites The Larches is a mammoth task and was At Queendown our single lizard Surveys were conducted by Ecology completed by Tony Witts at the Kent orchid flowered again and was much Group volunteers, reserves and Medway Biological Records photographed. The green-winged volunteers and wardens on most of Centre just before Christmas. As orchids on the extensions were a the Medway Smile reserves and soon as the maps have been little lower in number than we RNRs. produced they will be shared with all would have liked but this is not those involved. unexpected due to the thefts two years ago and poorly timed grazing which we hope to avoid this year. On the main bank a couple of early spider-orchids flowered inside the rabbit exclusion areas so were able to produce seed. We have a project under way to expand the rabbit exclusion area significantly next The goats keeping an eye on the surveyors at Wouldham Common

winter, which should make a huge Rob Pennington reflects on his difference. butterfly season: This year felt rather poor, the wet start to At the Larches, pyramidal orchids summer may have hampered did really well in the restoration species but the weather recovered, paddocks but the white helleborine unlike the butterflies. suffered more from rabbit grazing Small copper were especially absent, pressure than in previous years. The I didn’t record an individual until broad-leaved helleborine had an mid-August, and only counted four Grizzled skipper Pyrgus malvae, The Larches average year with a spell of very dry overall on my transects this year (I weather coinciding with their main gather that they fared better on Breeding birds growth and flowering time. coastal sites, perhaps this little Preliminary data from the BTO tells butterfly is going the way of the wall us that the 2016 breeding season Butterflies over time?). An anticipated painted was late to start and productivity Not only are many butterflies lady influx once again didn’t was low. Great tit, chaffinch and species of particular conservation materialise, with the wind blowing blackcap were particularly affected importance, they are an excellent the wrong direction and holding by cool and damp weather in April, tool with which to assess the quality them up on the other side of the with many laying eggs a week later and health of certain habitats, such channel, I only managed a handful of than average. My own ringing data as chalk grassland. Not only are records of them this year, a similar suggests that blue tits had a poor many generalist species present, story with clouded yellow which season, with adult birds making up a chalk grassland supports species were only around for a week or two greater proportion of totals than that rely on food plants and niches in mid-September. It was a year would be expected in a good year. only found in this habitat. where everything was present, even Species nesting in June, such as reed Unfortunately, 2016 was another the rediscovered small colony of warbler, were also affected by heavy very poor year for butterflies, Adonis blue were still present at rainfall. despite some good weather during Lower Burham, but numbers all felt On a more positive note, there was a much of the summer. low. This isn’t just the case in Kent, I higher adult abundance of short and April – September is transect travel quite a bit in the country to long-distance migrants at the start season, and many volunteers were see butterfly species we don’t get in of the season. Chiffchaff in particular out in the sunshine week after week. the county and the story was much was noted in the greatest numbers Selwyn Dennis found meadow the same; all present but low on since 1983. Survival rates may have brown was the most abundant numbers. Fingers crossed that they’ll been helped by warmer than species at Queendown Warren, bounce back in 2017. average conditions in their wintering though not in the large numbers grounds. Similarly, the survival rate normally seen during the summer, of cold sensitive species such as and there was a similar picture same wren and Cetti’s warbler was up on for gatekeeper. Common blues were previous years, no doubt helped by the next most abundant, and Adonis the milder winter in 2015–16. blues were recorded but only in small numbers. No silver-spotted skipper were seen on the transect, though they were seen at other Small skipper sylvestris (photo times. Rob Pennington)

My own personal highlight of the season was finding a grizzled skipper on the route I complete at the Larches. There are only 3 records of Marsh tit Poecile palustris this species from 2010 and 2012 Our focus on breeding birds in the (categorised by the IUCN as Medway Smile is on farmland and A male common blue Polyommatus icarus at vulnerable) in our (now up-to-date) woodland species, and two Lower Burham, interestingly missing the spots database for the site, so very on the forewing closest to the body (photo dedicated volunteers and myself pleasing to find. Rob Pennington) completed surveys of two woodland

and two farmland sites. Woodland quantitative method to confirm an records for the sites. Interestingly birds are in serious decline, and of estimate of population number the site with the highest score for particular concern are species such which is in the region of 150 chalk grassland affinity (a number as nightingale, marsh tit and lesser breeding individuals. This number based on the specificity of each spotted woodpecker, and our obviously fluctuates during the species for different habitat types) surveys were designed to detect season due to breeding success and was the arable farmland part of these as well as more common natural mortality. Water vole Nashenden. species. Unfortunately none of the surveys are vulnerable to the effects focal species were found, however of heavy rain washing away latrine the survey of The Larches by and feeding station signs that are Jonathan Barnard confirmed that key to successful recording. the site is of local importance in Fortunately this was not a problem respect of the number of species of in 2016 although we were unable to breeding birds it supports. survey the northern section of the reserve to avoid disturbing breeding Water voles Lapwings. Nevertheless, the 2016 Nigel Jennings led the annual water survey allowed us to conclude with a A badger clearly has strong feelings about vole survey at high degree of confidence that the pitfall trapping on the Queendown Extension. in April, always a fun day grubbing water vole population at about the ditches looking for feeding One particularly interesting species Holborough Marshes has remained signs and droppings, and with a found was the bombardier beetle stable relative to previous years newly arrived nightingale and sedge Brachinus crepitans, a ‘Nationally (2013-2015).” Nigel Jennings warblers singing nearby it was treat Notable B’ species uncommon in to be out in the spring sunshine. Ground Beetles Great Britain and thought to occur in Following the very popular new between 31 and 100 of the 3,894 “Holborough Marshes alongside the Wildlife Study Day which ran four 10km squares of the British National upper tidal is a times in 2016 due to high demand, Grid. Bombardiers possess a stronghold for water vole Arvicola many volunteers got out on reserves remarkable but effective defence amphibius. The species is fully to fully immerse themselves in the mechanism. It can spray a boiling, protected under the Wildlife and joys of pitfall trapping. We were noxious chemical mixture of Countryside Act 1981. This lucky enough to have the assistance hydroquinones and hydrogen protection extends to both the of Brian Eversham, a ground beetle peroxide from the tip of its flexible itself and its habitat which expert and all round excellent abdomen, which it can aim skilfully, places considerable responsibility naturalist to help us out early in the producing an audible explosive ‘pfut’ upon Kent Wildlife Trust to ensure season. sound. This boiling spray has the its security. potential to kill other and strongly deter larger predators, as well as curious humans. Thankfully no Ecology Group volunteers were harmed carrying out the surveys!

Brian Eversham, CEO of BCN Wildlife Trust, explaining the finer points of ground beetle ID at Darland Banks Water vole droppings, a classic sign of presence 49 species of ground beetle have

An annual survey of water vole signs now been found on our Medway The contents of pitfall traps from Nashenden in April/May has been carried out Smile reserves to date, 29 of which Down for several years and since 2013 the we found in our surveys this year, a results have been analysed using a number of which are new species

Darent Triangle Ecology Group

Fackenden Down, , ,

The Darent Triangle Ecology Group It has even been called the European As a result, butterflies like the was one of two new groups equivalent of the tropical rainforest. Adonis blue have all but been lost, launched in 2016, and an Many species found in chalk the dwarf milkwort and the juniper encouraging 24 people came to the grassland are specialists and are bush are fighting for survival and launch day at Kemsing Village Hall. unable to live anywhere else. glow-worms are now only found in a On a gloriously sunny day we – Let’s hope to see Kent on Planet few places. headed out onto the reserve for a Earth 3?! taster session in chalk grassland condition assessment, and loose Common flowers like small scabious promises were made about and bird’s-foot-trefoil can be seen continued good weather for the alongside many nationally rare season. Sadly this wasn’t to be the plants such as the curious-looking case – those of you who surveyed monkey and late spider orchids. Not Polhill Bank will remember a surprisingly, this vast array of particularly wet day, huddled under wildflowers attracts a humming a tree for shelter. Thanks very much mass of insects including scarce to Paul Glanfield who conjured up species such as the wart-biter bush cricket, Adonis blue and Duke of hot drinks despite the monsoon like So, it was a dedicated bunch of Burgundy butterflies, and bordered conditions! Ecology Group recorders that gothic and four spotted moths. surveyed all of the Darent Triangle Before the Second World War, chalk grasslands, achieving good fragile and flower-rich calcareous coverage of all the habitat on the grassland was widespread, but these reserves – a fantastic achievement. habitats seriously declined: by 1984, 80% of sheep-grazed lowland chalk Jenny Gibb has bravely and kindly and limestone grassland had taken on the data entry for these disappeared. reserves, and as soon as this work is Magpie Bottom, one of KWT’s best kept complete I promise to share the secrets?! The most significant reason for this results with you. You will find decline is the reduction of grazing examples of how we are able to use Chalk grassland and traditional management due to the data elsewhere in the In common with many of our changes in land use. Much of the newsletter. reserves, chalk grassland is one of wildlife of lowland calcareous the key features in the Darent grassland is unable to withstand the Butterflies Triangle. So why is it so important? results of agricultural intensification In a poor butterfly year, the Magpie Walk over the short, springy turf of including the increased use of Bottom transect returned a handful your local chalk grassland in summer herbicides and fertilisers and over- of positive high counts, including 17 and you’re likely release the rich or under-grazing. Development, silver washed fritillaries in August, aromas of an Italian kitchen as mineral extraction, landfill, 27 marbled white in July, and a thyme, marjoram and wild basil fill afforestation and heavy recreational single grizzled skipper in June. There the air. A truly wildlife rich habitat – pressure have also been are a number of vacancies for up to 40 species of flowering plants instrumental in the loss of these butterfly transect walkers in the can be found in one square metre of habitats. Darent Triangle, so get in touch if lowland calcareous grassland (we you can help. certainly found this to be the case).

Blean and Ecology Group

Thornden Meadow, Childs Forstal, South Blean Woods, Bigbury Wood, East Blean Wood, West Blean and Thornden Woods, , Wraik Hill, Foxes Cross

The Blean and Canterbury Ecology For an example of how we have Group was the second of two new used the data you collected see the Ecology Groups that got up and next page. These maps are fantastic running this year. What seemed like tools that allow us to assess how an endless stream of people much of a reserve is in favourable crowded into Mayton Oast for the condition according to various launch session, and then out into desirable criteria, to see exactly the woods to sample the joys of where these areas are, and assess sampling. Nightingale, willow future changes. Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi at Wraik Hill warbler and garden warbler were

heard, and green tiger beetles Wraik Hill and Foxes Cross Bats ‘jump-flew’ in front of the advancing A couple of very productive sessions For many years the Kent Bat Group ecologists. were spent at Wraik Hill and Foxes (KBG) have conducted surveys on Cross, familiarising ourselves with our reserves. In West Blean a box the flora of these sites in scheme has been set up with the preparation for more detailed intention of monitoring woodland survey. Just over 80 plant species bat populations, particularly were recorded at Wraik Hill, Natterer’s and brown long-eared bat including common cow-wheat, and their response to KWT’s coppice butcher’s broom, and pepper management of woodlands. saxifrage, and 84 species at Fox’s Unfortunately to-date take up of the Cross including marsh bedstraw, fifty bat boxes by bats over four Green tiger beetle Cicindella campestris lesser water parsnip and spiny seasons has been minimal. Proof of

breeding for Natterer’s, brown long- restharrow. An overflying red kite was a welcome site indeed. eared, Daubenton’s, whiskered and A small committed team carried out soprano pipistrelle has been habitat condition surveys at Bigbury determined however, and in Camp, were management has addition KBG have caught a male created an area of open acid noctule in breeding condition and a grassland within the woodland. 41 male common pipistrelle. In ‘quadrats’ were completed and over September 2016 a number of 80 species of flowering plants, immature female brown long-eareds grasses, rushes and ferns were were found in in one of the boxes recorded. Over the last few months and we are hopeful now the boxes this data has been digitised, and we A gloriously sunny day’s botonising for have been recognised that uptake are now able to produce maps that Ecology Group volunteers at Reculver will improve markedly in 2017. display very complex data in a very simple and easy to interpret way.

The coloured squares cover the extent of grassland on the reserve, and the map clearly shows that the number of positive indicator species of acid grassland varies across the site. As this improves with time more of the map will become more intensely coloured, and we will be able to assess the results against predefined targets for this habitat type.

Summary of positive and negative indicators and some habitat condition attributes at Bigbury Camp in 2016

Variable Level Percentage of surveyed area

Positive indicator species >1 65.85

Undesirable species >0 17.07

Bare ground none 34.15 <5% 34.15 5-20% 21.95 >20% 9.76

Microtopography – very small scale More or less uniform 7.32 variation in topography Some irregularity 82.93 Frequently irregular 2.44

Sward structure Uniform tight sward mostly <10cm 21.95 Uniform medium height 10-40cm 4.88 Rank tall herbaceous >40cm 68.29 Scattered tussocks (Mol./Junc.) 2.44 Complex, variable with tussocks 2.44

Wilderness Down & Swale Ecology Group Mary’s Meadow, Spuckles Wood, Holbeam, , , Ospringe Down

The Wilderness Down Ecology Group survey methods used elsewhere, we across the site. There is a way to go is a fledging affair, consisting in 2016 covered a good portion of the before the site attains diversity of of just myself and Swale Area reserve. 30% of the surveyed area more established reserves, though Warden Kevin Duvall. We are very had at least one positive indicator given the management history of keen to hear from you if you live in species. As habitat quality, defined the site prior to our ownership this part of Kent and would like to by the abundance and distribution (improved agricultural pasture) is get involved in monitoring our of indicator species increases or not surprising that the current status reserves. decreases, the number of qualifying is low across a large part of the site.

squares will change, and can be This is anticipated to improve with Chalk Grassland expressed as a proportion of the time and restorative management, We began monitoring at Mary’s total reserve area. Favourable however some areas (steep south- Meadow, a lovely secluded condition is considered achieved facing slopes) are clearly already rich grassland reserve adjacent to where between 2 – 6 indicator in positive indicator species – red Spuckles Wood. Following the same species are frequent and stable hot!

The Ecology Group

Marden Meadow, Collingwood, , Quarry Wood, Brenchley Wood, Turner's Field

Another fledgling Ecology Group standard comparable with the SSSI. always in the same place? Is this seeking new members! In 2016 we The results of our survey clearly pattern simply a reflection of the concentrated on Marden Meadow, demonstrate the difference and will ecology of the reserve, or can we one of our flagship reserves, a clearly show any future discover what these conditions are beautiful neutral grassland meadow improvement. It is worth noting that and replicate them more widely, full of green-winged orchids and the ‘hottest’ areas indicating 15-20 improving the reserve further? As yellow rattle. Using the grid square positive neutral grassland indicator the habitat improves, this heat map approach we surveyed two large species are exceptional. Of the 63 will clearly demonstrate the change parts of the reserve; the western squares surveyed, 4.76% have as more squares become ‘hotter’. compartment designated a SSSI for between 15-19 positive indicators. The map is underpinned by all the its botanical richness. In the middle We now know exactly where the complex survey data, allowing more compartment our management best bits are and can ask why are detailed spatial and statistical seeks to restore the sward to a these the best bits? Are the best bits analysis.

Historic Downlands Ecology Group Lydden Temple Ewell, Sladden Wood, Nemo Down, , Dover Castle

The Historic Dover Downlands which will contain details of how you The promotion of greater numbers Ecology Group will focus in the first can help. of wart-biter at the site will also instance on Old Park Hill. In 2016 support potential work to re- myself and some of the Dover area establish additional wart-biter team made a start with some colonies at other sites across the prelimary training at Old Park Hill historic chalk downlands of East and the wonderful Lydden and Kent, and beyond. Temple Ewell NNR. The Species Recovery Trust, in partnership with Up on the Downs, HLF and KWT, held a volunteer training day in August, where participants were taught how to Silver-spotted skipper Hesperia comma, the survey for the cricket to prepare only skipper found in the British Isles that has them for carrying out surveys each the distinctive white spots on the underside summer and to submit their records of the hindwings, which give the butterfly its to the Species Recovery Trust. To name. find out more about monitoring Autumn Lady's-tresses , Jiminy Cricket! wart-biters contact flower from August to September, they are The wart-biter bush-cricket (or [email protected]. found on calcareous grasslands or sandy dunes and have a distinctive coconut scent. Kent’s Jiminy Cricket as we like to uk call them) is one of the UK’s most at The gloriously sunny weather made risk species. They need a very Ground beetles the training a joy, and we found, as specific type of environment to Pete Meiners, our 2016 RNR trainee expected, a rich and diverse survive and are therefore restricted warden reflects on his ground beetle grassland sward teaming with life. to this very small patch of the Kent’s season: “Ground beetles can be countryside. We are working to excellent indicators of habitat improve up to 30 additional acres of quality since different habitat types ideal habitat, helping to support tend to have specific assemblages of wart-biter bush-cricket to move species, in the same way as plants. more freely across the landscape. After attending the excellent Ground Beetle Study Day run by Paul Tinsley-Marshall, I decided to put my learning into practice by surveying the ground beetles of the Lydden Hill RNR near Dover. With the help of other volunteers, I set up simple pitfall traps on two sites with very Chalk hill blue Polyommatus coridon at Lydden different habitats, one of chalk grassland and the other of shady If you live in the Dover area and scrub. I checked the traps most days over a four week period, identified would like to get involved keep an The very impressive Wart-biter bush-cricket eye out for the 2017 programme Decticus verrucivorus at Lydden and released the beetles and

analysed the results. The two sites Spring. This is because ground The most notable species found was did indeed have very different beetles tend to be either Autumn or the nationally scarce Licinus assemblages of species, with the Spring breeding species. depressus although this was actually chalk grassland assemblage in the second most common species particular corresponding very closely captured in the Autumn. It wasn’t with species that are known to recorded in the Spring survey. favour good quality chalk grassland habitat, according to habitat affinity Identifying ground beetles has been scores derived from the ecological much less daunting than I had literature, compiled by Brian imagined, and it has also given me Eversham. I repeated the survey on the confidence to learn many other the chalk grassland site in the groups of insects and their Licinus depressus (image Wikimedia Autumn with similar results, Commons) fascinating ecology.” although the species were quite different from those found in the

Ecology Group Areas

Ecology Groups are made up of volunteers engaged in monitoring in each defined area, carrying out fieldwork on the reserves within and close to that Living Landscape. While not a defined Living Landscape area, The Weald Ecology group covers the widespread collection of reserves including Marden Meadow, Collingwood, The Gill, Quarry Wood, Brenchley Wood and Turner's Field. Local community engagement is a key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of each group. Each group covers a cluster of nature reserves, which by nature of their geographic proximity will have a number of habitats in common. Establishing Ecology Groups throughout Kent will be a gradual process, and anyone interested in wildlife ecology in any part of Kent is encouraged to get in touch, as Ecology Group opportunities exist throughout the county.

Reserve Recording Every year we issue a number of A few of the notable species  Oncocera semirubella – a permits to individuals who wish to recorded on our reserves in 2016 wonderfully rhubarb and conduct their own surveys on our include: custard coloured micro moth reserves. These dedicated volunteers give their own time to  Cheilosia nigripes – a rare Anyone can apply for a permit to record species of particular interest hoverfly record on our reserves. Applications to them, and the data they  Andrena gravida – a rare bee are considered by the reserve contribute is very valuable to the  Symmorphus crassicornis – a managers and wardens, so if you Trust and more widely to rare wasp have a particular area of interest conservation in Kent. 82 permits  Kent Black Arches – a Nationally then please get in touch. were issued in 2016 to individuals Scarce B moth recording everything from birds,  Ground Lackey – a Nationally dormice and bats, to moths, ants Scarce A moth bees, wasps, flies, and photography.  Mathew’s Wainscott – a Nationally Scarce B moth  Langmaids Yellow Underwing – a Nationally Scarce a moth

Oncocera semirubella (photo Vicky Aitkenhead)

Common seal at Sandwich (photo: Russell Miles)

Short-eared owl at Sandwich (photo Russell Miles)

Acknowledgements A huge thank-you is due to all those who have Clark, Opeyemie Adeyemi, Paul Glanfield, Reserve Recorders contributed to Ecology Group Surveys and Susanna Clerici, Ray Leathers, Richard Bennet, John Horton, Stephen Hancock, Aaron Davies, recording on our reserves this season, not Rosie Merry, Val Rae, Vanessa Florence. Daniel Maughan, James Hunter, Phillp Jewess, only habitat surveys, but breeding birds, Ade Jupp, Ken West , Hannah Worker, Shirley Dover Downlands Ecology Group butterflies, ground beetles, reptiles, admin Thompson, Peter Howarth, Ken Goldsmith, Andrew Wilkinson, Cristina Juan, Gill Tysoe, Jo and data entry. Every effort has been made to Howard Bentley, Andrew Stanger, William Wynn, Faith Sidders, Nick Sinclair, Pete include all who have been involved this year, Marshall, Laurence Clemons, Alan Cooper, Meiners. however I sincerely apologise to anyone I Glynis Fenn, Ross Newham, Sam Page, Nigel have missed, it’s a long list, please correct Medway Smile Ecology Group Gardiner, Suzanne Kynaston, B A Haggart, me! Adelle Pilfold, Alison Ruyter, A Witts, Carson John Knowler, Michael Maloney, John Holmes, Dave Watson, David Eather, Don Puckett, James Rowland, Kevin Tolhurst, Blean Ecology Group Hardwick, Gill Tysoe, Heather Furse, James Kevin Button, Craig Llewellyn, Grant Alan Crawley, Alex Lockton, Alicja White, Bill Rowland, Jacob Lowe, Jonathan Barnard, Hazelhurst, Andy Taylor, Mark Parsons, Downs, Carole Clark, Gavin McGregor, J Judith Harris, Kandice White, Karen Weeks, Katheryn Leggat, Dave Grundy, Julie Merrett, Holmes, Jeff Forcott, John Puckett, John Linda Taylor, Mark Bretherton, M Ashdown, Richard Moyse, Ryan, Alan Stubbs, & Wilson, Mark Tuson, Maria O’sullivan, Mike Nathan Nicholls, Nigel Jennings, Paul associated members of the Kent Moth Group, Enfield, Nathan Nicholls, Niel Morris, Nick Brocklehurst, Pauline Holmes, Pete Meiners, Russell Miles, Alex Lockton, Alan Ford, Greg Beaumont, Nick Piggot, Nick Tompsett, Paul Raymond Howard, Rob Pennington, Selwyn Hitchcock, Tony Witts, Kevin Duvall, Bob Davies, Paul Hayter, Greg Gatusch. Dennis, Simon Ginnaw, Steve Weeks, Kirsty Francis, Phil Buckley, Mike and Julie Reed Darent Triangle Ecology Group Lee. Alan Ford, Anne Barrett, Bob Richards, Bryan Weald Area Ecology Group Bullen, David Sperlinger, Gareth Christian, Matt Hayes, Noel Clark, Julie Merret. Glyn Davies, Glynis Fenn, Ilse Hendrix-Bevan, Photo credits: Paul Tinsley-Marshall, unless Wilderness Down Ecology Group Jacob Lowe, Jane Donaldson, Jenny Gibb, otherwise stated. John Ross, Joyce Pitt, Marie Holland, Noel Kevin Duvall