biodiversity – Page 3 – Hoopoe

Beyond the Cap: Is Mycology only about Mushrooms?

For many people, the mention of mushrooms conjures up images of stroganoff, druids, or damp housing. However, for those of us who are mycologically inclined, a vast kingdom of species, ecological interactions, and secondary metabolites awaits to boggle the mind. Fungi are everywhere, circulating through the air as spores, forming networks below our feet, and even influencing popular culture. But what is mycology?

three mushrooms on a bed of leaf litter. one is much larger than the others. they all have clean white stems and spotted red caps — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

The History of Mycology

Originating from the Greek language, mycology translates to the study of fungus. The term was first coined in the early 19th century, but the study of fungi goes much further back. The Greeks pioneered written fungal observations, initially through records of poisonings. They were also the first to attempt to classify mushrooms (fungi), albeit as plants with missing parts, a narrative that persisted until the late 1960s when the fungal kingdom was first described.

Since the Greeks, theories about fungi origins ebbed and flowed throughout written history. From a modern taxonomic standpoint, Linnaeus (the father of modern taxonomy who formalised binomial nomenclature) and his contemporaries were integral to mycology, describing groups (genera) that still exist today, such as Boletus and Agaricus – though these have been heavily adapted from the original classifications. However, at this time, mushrooms were still classified as plants within the subcategory of ‘Cryptogamia’, due to the lack of apparent sexual organs, a similar grouping to that of the Greeks. But is mycology solely concerned with mushrooms, colloquially known as toadstools, the enigmatic, ephemeral fruits of fungal species?

The short answer is no. Once thought to be asexual plants, mushrooms are actually the reproductive structures of fungal species that form networks of organic strands called hyphae, collectively known as mycelium. When two sexually compatible hyphal strands from the same species meet, they twist and writhe, forming a knot. It is from this mycelial joint enterprise that the mushroom fruits, hence the term ‘fruiting bodies’.

a group of brown mushrooms growing on a fallen tree. they have dark brown stems and light brown caps with a yellow underside — Image by Lukas Large via Flickr

Fungal Groups

Boletus and Agaricus are prime examples of iconic toadstool-forming fungal genera. Once fully developed, the toadstool drops spores, either from pores (in the case of Boletus) or gills (as with Agaricus). These genera are members of Basidiomycota (the spore-droppers) that release spores to fall to the ground. The other major fungal group, Ascomycota, the spore-shooters, fire spores from specially adapted tissue into the wind. Fungi classified as Basidiomycetes do not exclusively form toadstools, there is a large variety of fruitbody formations, each with unique identifying features and characteristics. Examples include brackets, puffballs, earthstars, stinkhorns, corals, toothed fungi, jellies, rusts, and smuts.

Ascomycetes, the spore-shooters, exhibit a similarly large variety of fruit body forms. Many ascomycete fruit bodies are considered cup fungi, such as the morel – a forager’s favourite. Cup fungi belong to the Pezizomycetes. This subgroup also contains truffles, which are prized by chefs, foodies, and mammals of various sizes. Other intriguing forms include saddle-shaped fungi, earth tongues, and club- and finger-shaped fungi.

Ascomycete fungi are known for their propensity for parasitism and pathogenicity, such as the ever-fascinating Cordyceps (zombie ant fungus), made famous by The Last of Us, or Ergot (Claviceps Purpurea), a plant pathogen. Ergot is hallucinogenic when consumed by mammals and most famously caused a ‘dancing plague’ among villagers in the early 20th century. Some fungi do not produce hyphae and therefore do not form mycelial networks or fruit bodies. A famous example of an Ascomycete fungus that doesn’t produce spores, mushrooms, or mycelium is yeast (Saccharomyces). Yeast is unicellular and present in the air and has had a dramatic impact on human societies via bread and beer, a winning combination.

A group of small, white mushrooms with pleated caps — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

Lichens

Lichens represent a fascinating intersection of biology, ecology, and mycology. These composite organisms are the result of a symbiotic partnership between a primary photo-biont, typically algae or cyanobacteria, and a fungal host. The photo-biont contributes photosynthetic sugars, while the fungus creates a stable environment for the photo-biont to thrive. This mutualistic relationship is an ingenious ecological strategy that allows both partners to survive in diverse and often extreme environments. Interestingly, as mycologists delve deeper into lichen biology, more complex partnerships are being discovered. Notably, 98% of the fungi associated with lichens belong to the ascomycetes, the group of spore-shooting fungi, and almost half of all ascomycetes participate in lichen formation.

a yellow lichen on stone. It has a flaky, seaweed like appearance — Image by Simon Lee via Flickr

Slime Moulds

Let’s touch on slime moulds, another group commonly mistaken for fungi. These soil-dwelling amoeba, originally described as ‘fast-growing fungus’, were integrated into fungal evolutionary history until the 1970s. Slime moulds share similarities with fungi in their lifecycles and ecological niches, but despite their name and popular belief, they belong to a different kingdom altogether – the protozoan kingdom. It’s easy to see why they were once considered members of the fungal kingdom, as they ‘fruit’ under similar conditions and are often found on rotten substrates in damp forests.

A yellow slime mould on a tree trunk. the top is a large blob of bright yellow shiny slime, trailing down through bright yellow veins — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

The often-overlooked fungal kingdom has been a key component to the development of life on earth and is often cited as one of the drivers for terrestrial evolution. Alongside its significance in evolutionary history, this unique kingdom has also benefitted humans for millennia and is expected to play a vital role in future healthcare, farming and food security. In addition to these significant contributions to civilisation, fungi are a delight to stumble across in the wild and are an object of beauty and wonder for many. Whether you are a seasoned mycologist, budding enthusiast or a complete beginner, fungi are bound to captivate you with their peculiarities – so why not head out this autumn, explore the forest floor, and see what you can find?

Below we have listed some recommendations for popular field guides and recent titles suitable for mycologists, as well as the NHBS Beginners Field Mycology Kit:

Entangled Life (The Illustrated Edition)

This astonishing bestseller is now available in a beautifully illustrated gift edition and features over 100 spectacular full colour images

Collins Fungi Guide

This extensive guide covers the fungi of the British Isles in astonishing detail and is written, and illustrated, by leading mycologists and horticultural scientists

Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind

Acclaimed scientist and author Richard Fortey acknowledges the otherworldliness of fungi and marvels at their charm in this enthusiastic and passionate book

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi

An illuminating account of the invisible fungi that share our world, this book explores the evolution and adaptation of these organisms, the latest research surrounding the fungal kingdom and more

The Little Book of Fungi

A beautifully designed pocketbook on the world’s fungi, this expertly written work contains an astonishing amount of information and covers a range of topics, including myths, folklore and modern culture

Bloomsbury Concise Mushroom Guide

An illustrated mini field guide packed with information on over 200 species found in Britain. A concise written account covers size, description, habitat and the season in which each fungus may be found.

NHBS Beginners Field Mycology Kit

This comprehensive kit equips you with the essentials to observe and document fungi in any weather. The kit contains a Singlet Loupe 21mm 10x Hand Lens, a Rite in the Rain Spiral Bound Notebook and four Field Studies Council Guides (The Fungi Name-trail, Distinctive Gilled Fungi, Distinctive Non-gilled Fungi and Distinctive Grassland Fungi).

The NHBS Guide to Grasshoppers and Bush-crickets

Here in the UK, we have 11 species of grasshopper and 23 species of cricket (around ten of these being bush-crickets), both subfamilies belonging to the order Orthoptera. Although similar in appearance, the two can be separated by their antennae – grasshoppers have short, stout appendages and bush-crickets have longer, thinner antennae. Bush-crickets also have a larger body size than grasshoppers, growing up to 5cm in length, and females have a distinctive ovipositor used to lay eggs.

Here, we look at a few species of grasshoppers and bush-crickets found in the UK, detailing ways to ID them and where they can be found.

Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)

A brown grasshopper is sat on a small twig, it is dull in colour but has a vibrant yellow-orange abdomen under a darker wing — Image by Gilles San Martin via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.5cm in length. This grasshopper is usually a mottled brown colour, but can vary from brown to grey, orange and purple. It has barring on the sides, and a very hairy underside which is the most straightforward way to identify this species. It is winged and able to fly. Their song consists of short, single chirrups repeated at short intervals.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common Field Grasshoppers can be seen from May to October on short vegetation in dry, warm days. They can be found in grassy areas including farmland, grassland, heathland, moorland, towns and gardens.

Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus)

A grasshopper on a green stem, it has a vibrant pink head, thorax and back legs. It has a green underbelly and black/yellow striping on its abdomen. Its wings are very short. — Image by Gilles San Martin via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.3cm in length. Meadow Grasshoppers are usually green in colour, with some individuals brown or pink-purple coloured (pictured above). The wings are often brown and are long in males, whereas female wings are short and do not reach the end of the abdomen. This species has distinctive black knees and a dark brown stripe running across the flank to the eye. They are similar in appearance to Common Field Grasshoppers, but lack a hairy underside, which can be used to distinguish them from one another. Their song is a burst of around ten chirrups, making a ‘rrr’ sound.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain. Meadow Grasshoppers can be seen from April to October in damp pastures with long grass. They can also be found in meadows, grassland, heathland and moorland.

Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus)

A green grasshopper is standing on a bed of moss, it is light green in colour with dark brown striping on its abdomen — Image by Billy Lindblom via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.3cm in length. As the name suggests, this species is mostly green in colour, but males can also be olive brown. Lines on the shoulders are incurved and white or cream in colour. Common Green Grasshoppers are winged and can fly, but their wings do not exceed the body’s length. They produce a long, loud ticking song which can last for 20 seconds or more and is reminiscent of a fast-paced freewheeling bicycle.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain, although a little patchier in the lowlands. This species appears early in spring and can be seen from April to September. It can be found in coarse, moist grass in meadows, woodland rides, hillside pastures and farmland.

Mottled Grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus)

a brown and green grasshopper. it has small antennae a green head and green patches on the thorax and rear legs. the rest of the body is mottled brown in colour — Image by Frank Vassen via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2cm in length. This small grasshopper is most easily identified by its antennae – males’ are club-tipped, and females’ have a thickened tip. The body has several colour variations including green, brown, grey and orange. Their song is a repetitive ‘zrr’ ‘zrr’ sound lasting around ten seconds before stopping abruptly.

Distribution: Widely distributed across the UK, but uncommon. Mottled Grasshoppers can be found from April to October in areas of dry, short grass with access to rocks or bare ground, including grasslands, heathland and old quarries.

Oak Bush Cricket (Meconema thalassinum)

A small, lime green cricket is sat on three leaflets. It has very long, flexible antennae that are trailing off of the leaf and long, yellow legs — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 1.7cm in length. This species is the UK’s only native, arboreal cricket. It has a slender, lime green body with a yellow-orange or brown strip running along its back. Both sexes are fully winged, with wings reaching the end of the abdomen. Females have a long, upturned ovipositor and males have a pair of shorter, rounded claspers. The males do not produce a song, but instead drum their hind legs on nearby leaves.

Distribution: Common, found in England and Wales. The Oak Bush Cricket is common in the midlands and the south but is absent further north. It can be found in the canopy of mature trees in woods, hedges, garden shrubs and other deciduous trees from June to November.

Dark Bush Cricket (Pholidoptera griseoaptera)

A dark brown cricket is standing on a large leaf. It has very long thin antennae and a curved, pointed spine at the end of its body. Its long rear legs are outstretched, standing on another leaf — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.1cm in length. This species is typically reddish to dark brown, with occasional yellow green through the abdomen and a paler area along the top of the thorax. It has very small forewings and long, hair-like antennae. Females have a large, upcurved ovipositor.

Distribution: Fairly common in central and southern England and Wales, where it can be found in woodland, hedgerows, grassland, farmland, towns and gardens. It can often be spotted in large numbers around bramble patches, where they are basking in the sun.

Roesel’s Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii)

A brown and green cricket with long rear legs and an upturned hook at the end of the abdomen. — Image by Charlie Jackson via Flickr

ID Notes: A short-winged and usually flightless species, Roesel’s Bush Crickets are typically dark brown or yellow in colour, sometimes tinged green. They have a green face, slightly orange legs and a cream-coloured margin to their thorax, with two or three yellow spots on the side. Their monotonous song is recognisable for its long, mechanical sound.

Distribution: Common, found mostly in the southeast of the UK, but currently expanding its range north and west. This species can be found from June to October in rough grassland, scrub, salt marshes and damp meadows.

Great Green Bush Cricket (Tettigonia viridissima)

A large green cricket is resting on a leaf. It has long, slightly yellow legs and its green wings extend further than the abdomen — Image by Gunera via Flickr

ID Notes: This large bush-cricket can easily be distinguished by its size, growing up to 7cm long. It is a vibrant green with an orange-brown stripe running the length of its back. Their wings are typically longer than the abdomen, and females have a long, downward curved ovipositor. This species has a loud, long song which sounds like a high-pitched sewing machine running continuously.

Distribution: Common throughout south England and Wales. It can be found from May to October in scrub, woodland, grassland and heathland, with a preference for light, dry soils.

Further Reading
Grasshoppers of Britain and Western Europe

Paperback | June 2021

The first guide to the 261 species of orthopterans of Britain and western Europe ever published. Features stunning, detailed images and information on the distribution and identification criteria. Includes a CD with over 200 orthopteran songs to aid identification.

Orthoptera and Dermaptera

Paperback | July 2024

A photo-based identification guide covering 28 native breeding species of the UK. This guide is part of FSC’s AIDGAP series (Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants), providing accessible identification tools for naturalists over the age of sixteen.

Guide to British Grasshoppers and Allied Insects

Unbound | August 1999

A reliable, fold-out chart with an introduction and a key to British grasshoppers and related insects, ideal for carrying in-field.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 19th August

Pollution

Marine noise pollution is inhibiting the recruitment and settlement of oyster larvae. A study from the University of Adelaide has reported a disturbance in oyster uptake in conservation projects where acoustic technology is used to attract larvae to new settlement areas. These invertebrates use natural acoustic cues to dictate their settlement, as well as navigation, communication and predator avoidance, making them more vulnerable to changes in their soundscape. Noise pollution from shipping, construction and machinery is interfering with these acoustic cues and limiting the benefits of acoustic technology in attracting oysters to reef habitats.

Outstretched hands holding a few oysters — Image by Charlotte Coneybeer via Flickr

Artificial light in urban areas is impacting herbivory on trees. A study in Beijing showed that tree leaves in urban environments are visibly less damaged than rural tree communities. The study found that trees exposed to greater levels of illuminance from streetlights concentrate their energy on defense by thickening their leaves and producing chemical compounds such as tannins. The results suggested that trees exposed to high levels of artificial light may extend their photosynthesis duration, thus resulting in these characteristics. Ramped up defences means that thickened leaves are inedible for invertebrates, which could have cascading effects on the rest of the food chain, leading to a harmful reduction of herbivorous insects and predatory species in urban areas.

Wildlife

A badger vaccination programme in Cornwall shows promise in helping to manage bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The farmer-led pilot was conducted over four years in Cornwall and involved mass vaccination of badgers across 12 farms with huge success – around 74% of local badgers received the vaccine, with the number of infected badgers falling from 16% to zero. With bTB highly destructive to farmers and their livelihoods, the disease results in tens of thousands of cattle being culled each year and, although large-scale assessment is needed to measure vaccination impact on disease rates in cows, this programme could substantiate calls for the government to further support community-led vaccination.

A badger is standing on a mossy bank next to a body of water, there is a pink flower on its left side and it is facing the camera — Image by Caroline Legg via Flickr

Brazil is moving forward with plans to turn the Pantanal into an industrial waterway. The world’s largest wetland, comprised of over 1,200 rivers and streams, is home to an astonishing level of diversity and supports a host of vulnerable and endangered species, including Jaguars and Giant Otters. This biologically-rich environment is at risk from the Hidrovia Project – a plan proposing to build ports, straighten river bends and dredge the Paraguay riverbed to establish a shipping route for crops such as sugar and soya beans. This development could bring about irreversible damage to the environment – disconnecting the river from its floodplain, shrinking wetland habitats and causing disruption to seasonal flood patterns – meaning extinction for many of the animals taking refuge there.

The largest outbreak of avian influenza is infecting hundreds of species across the world. H5N1, a highly contagious, deadly strain of bird flu, is threatening the world’s biodiversity after infecting 485 bird species and 48 mammal species, including Polar Bears and captive tigers. The virus broke out in Europe in 2020, where it spread to a further six continents through bird migratory pathways. This evolutionarily flexible pathogen is ravaging wild animal populations across the globe, decimating 40% of Peruvian pelicans, 17,000 Argentinian Elephant Seal pups, over 30,000 Sea Lions and 75% of breeding Great Skuas in Scotland, among others. With continuous adaptation, the virus is now able to spread directly between mammals, raising greater concerns for human health and wellbeing.

Conservation

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) is set to begin the restoration of lost rainforests in Pembrokeshire. Historically, the west coast of Britain had large expanses of temperate rainforest that were gradually destroyed over hundreds of years. Only 1% of these habitats remain, and WTSWW wishes to return these areas to their former glory, improving habitats for wildlife in the area. Currently, the 146-acre land is designated for agriculture with nearly all fields grazed, but the Trust hopes to begin planting the first seeds in 2025, with visible growth in three years.

A continent-wide survey of Antarctica’s plant life has revealed growth in previously uncharted areas. This survey provides a baseline of lichens, mosses and algae, which will be used to monitor vegetation responses to climate change and inform conservation measures in the region. Researchers employed a European Space Agency satellite to sweep the area, and combined this data with field measurements. The survey has detected almost 45km² of vegetation in the region, accounting for only 0.12% of Antarctica’s ice-free area, highlighting the importance of these environments.

A small penguin is standing on rocky ground with moss on it, its wings are outstretched and it is facing the camera — Image by Robert Oo via Flickr

Q&A with Pete Haskell: Celebrating 60 Years of the Scottish Wildlife Trust

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the leading charity seeking to protect and restore the diversity of the Scottish landscape and its species. Based in Edinburgh, this membership-based organisation has a key role in the conservation of over 90,000 species through practical work, campaigning, education and management in over 100 wildlife reserves.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust will be celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, marking the occasion with their storytelling campaign Words of the Wild. We recently spoke to Pete Haskell, Head of Communications and Engagement, on the work of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, its iconic projects and their goals moving forward.

Visitors on Handa Island Wildlife Reserve. Image by Pete Haskell, The Scottish Wildlife Trust

Could you give us a brief introduction to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and how it was formed?

Today, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity, but it all began as a small group of passionate people in Edinburgh 60 years ago.

It was in 1964 that Sir Charles Connell, along with a handful of others, decided to establish an organisation whose focus was the protection of Scotland’s wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations. Despite being run on a shoestring budget, within a year the Trust had 400 members and a long list of volunteer members of Council that included several professors, a general, several prominent landowners, a museum curator, the presenter Tom Weir and representatives from the Forestry Commission and The Nature Conservancy.

By the end of 1966, the Trust had acquired its first three wildlife reserves, and its work has continued to grow in breadth and scale ever since.

Could you tell us about the aims of the Trust, and what kind of work you undertake?

The Trust’s vision is of a network of healthy, resilient ecosystems on land and sea, supporting Scotland’s wildlife and people – something we’ve been pursuing for our 60-year history with support from our members, partners and volunteers.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people and communities to take positive action through education and engagement activities. We also manage a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland, welcome visitors to our three visitor centres at Montrose Basin, Loch of the Lowes and Falls of Clyde, and are a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.

Community Engagement Work. Image by Pete Haskell, The Scottish Wildlife Trust

What have been the most iconic projects for the Trust over the years? And could you tell us about your biggest challenges and successes?

Where to start! As an organisation that covers all of Scotland and all of its wildlife, we’ve been involved in a huge variety of projects over the last six decades.

In the 1980s, we had a big focus on acid rain, organising an international conference that brought together a wide range of experts to discuss the major points of evidence around the issue and the damage it causes. This resulted in delegates agreeing a detailed resolution that called for the UK Government to take decisive and immediate action to combat acid rain.

In the 1990s, one of our major focuses was peatland restoration. As well as leading a peatland campaign that raised awareness of the importance of the habitat and its wildlife, we worked in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) to undertake one of the most comprehensive assessments of any habitat in Britain and published a peatland management handbook used by land managers across Europe.

In the 2000s, we started two of our most iconic species-focused projects. In 2008, we partnered with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to lead the five-year Scottish Beaver Trial in Knapdale, a groundbreaking project that saw the first formal reintroduction of a mammal anywhere in the UK. And in 2009, we established Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a partnership project that continues to this day to protect our native Red Squirrel population.

The past decade or so has seen some of our most ambitious projects to date. Our Living Landscape initiatives in Coigach and Assynt, Cumbernauld and Edinburgh are working to deliver environmental, social and economic improvements on a landscape scale. Through our Living Seas project, we have created a network of snorkel trails across Scotland to encourage more people to experience the incredible marine life that Scotland’s seas are home to. And most recently we have been progressing our Riverwoods initiative which is set to accelerate the creation of woodland habitat along Scotland’s extensive river network.

Snorkellers. Image by Alexander Mustard for The Scottish Wildlife Trust.

What are your hopes for the future? How do you think the Trust’s goals will change past Strategy 2030?

Our firm hope is that we begin to see nature recovery on a national scale. We have 60 years of impactful conservation behind us, but nature is in a state of crisis, with one in nine Scottish species threatened with extinction. As our life support system, nature is vital to every one of us and it will take everyone – from decision makers to community groups – to help turn the tide on nature loss.

But even if we can get over that biggest of hurdles – where nature is no longer declining and starts on an upward trajectory – there is a huge amount to do. With the UK one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, the road to achieving our vision is a long one. There will inevitably be new challenges to overcome but the thing that unites the Trust – our staff, volunteers, members, donors and partners – is an unenduring passion and love for nature. They say you can have too much of a good thing, but when it comes to nature, that’s just not the case!

Sixty years of educating, campaigning and protecting nature is an incredible milestone. How will the Trust be celebrating this important anniversary?

Whilst there are many things going on across the Trust to celebrate our 60th anniversary, the major focus is our storytelling campaign, Words of the Wild. The campaign has three strands: a series of events focusing on the stories of some of our reserves; a new and very recently launched podcast series that will explore the stories of the Trust’s past, present and future; and a nature writing competition that encourages others to share their stories of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places in no more than 1,000 words. The competition has an adult and a junior category and is open until 31st August. There are some fantastic prizes for the winners, including some generously donated by NHBS, for which we are very grateful.

If readers would like to find out more about the Trust or enter the Words of the Wild competition, visit scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/

The NHBS Guide to UK Common Garden Beetles

Beetles are insects that form the order Coleoptera, meaning ‘sheath-winged’. They get their name from the adaptation of their front wings which have formed tough protective cases called elytra. This gives them an armour-like appearance while protecting the delicate wings underneath.

As one of the most diverse groups across the world, there are over 400,000 species – more than 4,000 of these can be found in the UK. In this post we will look at some of Britain’s beetles, detailing their key features and where to find them.

Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata)

Rose Chafer by Hedera Baltica via Flickr

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread across the UK, but scarce in number. Most common in southern England.

Identification: This large beetle is instantly recognisable by its iridescent emerald green carapace. Up to 2cm long, this broad beetle will often have white streaks across its wing case, which can occasionally appear purple or bronze in colour. The underside is covered in fine, pale hairs and there is an obvious ‘V’ shape on its back where the wing cases meet.

Where to find them: Grassland, woodland edges, scrub and farmland. Rose Chafers can also be found in towns and gardens, where they are considered a pest. You can find them between May and October when they can be spotted in sunny weather.

Cock Chafer (Melolontha melolontha)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widely distributed across the UK, more common in the south of England.

Identification: The UK’s largest scarab beetle, the Cock Chafer can grow up to 4cm in length. It has rusty brown wing cases with a black body and brown legs. Its underside is covered in fine, pale hairs and it has a pointed tail. It has distinctively large, fan-like antennae that can be used to distinguish the sex – males have seven feathers and females have six.

Where to find them: Meadows, farmland, grassland, woodland, heath and moorland, and gardens from April to July. These insects are mostly seen after sunset, where they can be found near streetlights and bright windows.

Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus)

A large, black and maroon coloured beetle standing on a piece of wood. — Image by Ben Sale via Flickr

Conservation status: A globally threatened species, the Stag Beetle is listed as a priority species in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Distribution: Nationally scarce. This species is mainly found in south-east England. It is most abundant in the Thames Valley and Hampshire and is locally common in some areas of the south-west.

Identification: A spectacular insect, the Stag Beetle is recognised for its antler-like mandibles. Males can grow up to 8cm, while the females grow to 5cm and have smaller mandibles. Both have a shiny black head, thorax and legs with chestnut-coloured wing cases.

Where to find them: They can be found from mid-May to late July in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Although usually found on the ground, males can be seen in flight during sunset on hot summer evenings.

Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus paralellapipidus)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Found throughout England and Wales.

Identification: Smaller than their threatened cousins, the Lesser Stag Beetle grows up to 3cm in length and can be distinguished by smaller mandibles and knobbed antennae. Although similar in shape and colour, this species has a broad head and matt black wing cases.

Where to find them: Hedgerows, woods, farmland, grassland, towns and gardens from May to September. They can often be found basking in the sun on tree trunks and can be seen flying near bright lights at night.

Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK, particularly in south-west England. Distribution is patchier in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Identification: A small, shiny beetle growing up to 1cm in length, the Rosemary Beetle is a striking metallic green with orange and purple stripes. The head and thorax are mostly green with some red markings, and the legs are a brown-red.

Where to find them: Rosemary Beetles are found year-round but are commonly spotted between April and September. The species is closely associated with Lavender, Thyme and Rosemary.

Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread across the UK, less common in Scotland.

Identification: A narrow-bodied longhorn beetle, this species has a long, black body with yellow horizontal stripes. The Wasp Beetle has short brown antennae and brown legs.

Where to find them: Wasp Beetles can be found in farmland, woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens between April and July.

Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: Growing up to 1cm in length, the Red Soldier Beetle is small and narrow. It has a rectangular body that is a vibrant orange red with black tips to the wing cases. Their orange legs are tipped with black feet and they have long antennae.

Where to find them: This species can be found from June to August, usually on open-structured flowers such as daisies and Cow Parsley, in grasslands, hedgerows, woodland, parks and gardens.

Red-headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in England and Wales.

Identification: A mid-sized beetle growing up to 2cm in length, the Red-headed Cardinal Beetle has a vibrant orange-red head and wing case. Its legs and antennae are black, the latter long and toothed.

Where to find them: Adults can be found in woodland, hedgerows, farmland, parks and gardens from May to July.

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle (Staphylinus olens)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: The Devil’s Coach Horse, easily recognised by its scorpion-like stance when threatened, is a medium-sized black beetle growing up to 3cm in length. It has large, powerful jaws and a long, thick abdomen. The body is covered in fine black hairs and the wing cases are very short.

Where to find them: Devil’s Coach Horse Beetles can be found from April to October in hedgerows, grassland, farmland and gardens. They require damp living conditions and are often found under stones and in compost heaps.

Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: Growing up to 3cm in length, the Violet Ground Beetle has a distinctive metallic violet colouring running along the edge of a black thorax and smooth wing cases.

Where to find them: Violet Ground Beetles can be found from March to October in woodland, grassland, moorland and urban areas. They are frequently found under logs and stones.

Solitary Bee Week 2024

Solitary Bee Week was founded in 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of solitary bee populations across the globe. Now hosted by Buglife, this week-long event hopes to encourage the public to pledge their support for these unsung heroes. Solitary Bee Week 2024 (Monday 1st July – Sunday 7th July) gives us a chance to support these vital pollinators and #EarnYourStripes.

A hairy mining bee resting on a leaf. It has orange hair on its hind legs and long white hair on its thorax, legs and head — Andrena gravida by Frank Vassen via Flickr

What are solitary bees and why are they important?

It is estimated that there are between 20,000–30,000 solitary bee species across the world, and the UK is home to 240 of them. Solitary bees do not produce wax or honey, do not form hives, and do not exhibit swarming behaviours – a striking difference to the behaviours we usually associate with bees. They typically nest in underground burrows or in the hollows of plant stems and tunnels, so it is no surprise that we are seeing a downturn in the abundance of the group with increasing urban development and environmental decline.

As we urbanise, we remove the habitat of these extraordinary pollinators – we are seeing fewer hedgerows and wildflower meadows, which would otherwise provide vital food sources for these insects. Partnered with agricultural intensification, environmental changes are contributing to the significant declines we see in pollinators. Solitary bees are important for pollination, and their loss could be devastating not only to the environment, but for food security worldwide. Solitary Bee Week is helping raise awareness of these insects in the hopes of managing their threats and preventing further declines in the future.

How can I take part?

From pollinator identification workshops to solitary bee walks, Buglife is hosting a range of events in support of Solitary Bee Week. An interesting highlight of the week, Buglife have collaborated with Hayley Herridge the Pollinator Gardener to create the ‘B-Lines Garden’ to be featured in the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival – highlighting the importance of insect pathways to provide corridors for pollinators. Find the full week’s itinerary here.

What can I do to support my local bees?

Solitary Bee Week is the perfect time to pledge your support for local solitary bees.

Leaving an area of exposed soil and providing bee hotels are great ways to provide nesting areas. Mining bees account for around 70% of solitary species – patches of exposed soil are an excellent way to provide space for this group, where they create underground nesting burrows. For cavity nesting bees, such as Red Mason Bees, hotels are a great way to provide nesting habitat where they will lay eggs in the dry, hollow tubes. Planting wildflowers and nectar-rich plant species is another way to support pollinators by providing an important food source.

Here we have chosen a selection of products in our range that can support solitary bees in your outdoor space:

#262715 Solitary Bee Bricks

#217363 Insect Tower

#257245 Solitary Bee Nesting Tin

#264931 Bee Barn Gift Box

#259552 Solitary Bees (Hardback)

#261456 Hairy-Foot, Long-Tongue (Paperback)

#244919 The Solitary Bees (Hardback)

Wilder Sensing: An Interview with Geoff Carss

Wilder Sensing, founded in 2021, is bringing innovative techniques to conservation, providing additional insights into biodiversity. This promising tech start-up featured on Springwatch this Wednesday (12th June), showcasing the applications of this innovation. We had the opportunity to chat with Geoff Carss, CEO of Wilder Sensing, on the organisation, its role in conservation and the future of technology in the field.

Can you share with us why Wilder Sensing was founded and what the company is involved in?

Wilder Sensing was founded to ensure that anyone can collect high-quality, long-term biodiversity data. There are many different ways of doing this, but we focus on sound. By recording 24/7 for weeks, or even months, you can build up a very rich picture of what is present in an environment. The technology we use is low-cost with limited bias, and it is easy to use, even for non-professionals. It’s not perfect, especially because we are focusing on birds at the moment. Not all birds make much noise – some make very subtle noises which we can’t pick up – but for most species it works well.

Can you tell us about the capabilities of Wilder Sensing technology and the insights that it can provide for a given environment?

We work with our customers to agree on survey patterns and how many recorders should be deployed on each site. The customer uploads their audio files to our website, and once they have arrived, we automatically process them using machine learning. It takes us around 20 seconds to process an hour-long file, and we can process many in parallel. During this, the technology checks every three seconds to see if a sound has been detected – every sound gets a species match, and a probability is assigned. So, for instance, the technology will be 92% certain that it has detected a Robin. Through this, we can give a species richness assessment, which is a species list at the moment. Our technology is currently unable to tell us how many individuals there are in a given space – there could be one very noisy bird, or ten very quiet ones.

However, bioacoustic surveying technology does not remove the need for ground truthing. It is still important to get the baseline. Ecologists will find species that we don’t pick up. And the converse is true as well. We can find 20-30% more species when combining acoustic and traditional surveys. We are also working on other approaches for the future, like triangulation, which could identify exactly where a sound is coming from.

Over 45,000 records were species-matched in the Peruvian Amazon. Image by Wilder Sensing.Can you tell us about the current projects that you are involved in and the role that bioacoustics played in conservation?

We’re involved with a whole raft of different projects. We are working with environmental consultancies, Wildlife Trusts and NGO’s using acoustic technology for long-term surveying. Wendling Beck in Norfolk is a site that we have been working on for around 18 months. We realised that Skylarks are using one small part of the site, but you don’t see this until you look at the data – when you are just walking around, you don’t make that connection. If you look at some species, you might think that you have a ubiquitous habitat, but when you start looking at the distribution of birds and their calls, you may find that there are many times more calls in one part of the site. If you were to redevelop an area, you would probably lose some species altogether, but going into a development project, knowing that’s a likely ecological consequence, is really important and that is why acoustic technology is so valuable.

What is the future for AI in conservation? Where do you think its applications could take us over the coming years??

I think it has a lot to contribute. To get good, accurate data you need highly skilled ecologists, people that really understand bird sound – it takes years to build those skills. I think the role will change so that ecologists will get more involved in survey design and interpreting the data to understand the consequences of a project. It becomes much more evidence-based and more quantitative. We have some customers who deploy up to 20 recorders, and you can get a quarter of a million acoustic records on each device. With that amount of data, you can start to ask different questions and we can see all kinds of behaviours that we couldn’t see before.

In the South-west, some farmland was purchased to develop into allotments and after digging, they found that Skylarks were nesting on-site. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) does not look at species, so a habitat survey would not record Skylarks in the area. If acoustic recorders had been deployed on site, ecologists would know they were present – so well-rounded data will also help developers plan better, mitigating issues from the onset of construction. The BNG survey was designed to be consistent and relatively easy to use, and species surveys could prove to be more difficult because of inconsistencies and methodologies etc. With AI we can move to a new level of understanding. If you just stick the recorder out, it is consistent in how it works and removes bias.

Over 4,000 calls were detected from Meadow Pipits at Wendling Beck. Image by Kev Chapman via Flickr.

For those interested in bioacoustics, it is worth noting that you will be holding webinars from July. What can we expect from these sessions?

We have three sessions lined up. The first one is on 7th July and is about measuring nature using sound. It’ll dig into both how the technology works and how it compares against other methods, and hopefully we’ll have an open discussion around its strengths and weaknesses. The session is intended for people who are interested in the subject, and we will go through some examples.

This will be followed by two in the autumn, which are more technical and are perhaps more suited to professional ecologists. These sessions will be touching on some of the technology behind Wilder Sensing and some of the ways it should and shouldn’t be used.

What is Wilder Sensing hoping to achieve over the next decade?

I am hoping to move onto other taxa, the obvious ones being insects and bats. We would also like to look at triangulation as well – if we can triangulate how birds and bats are using a landscape, we can use this to help inform better environmental management. I think this data will be used with other environmental data in the future. People doing nature restoration or project planning need to understand the water quality, air quality, the climate etc. to get a better environmental outcome. And even forward-looking companies, we can look at their supply chain as well.

An acoustic sensor deployed at Honeygar Farm. Image by Wilder Sensing.

Increasingly the media are reporting on the quietening of British soundscapes, a symptom of the biodiversity and climate crisis we are facing. How do you think Wilder Sensing will adapt to an increasingly quiet environment? Will technology need to adapt to keep up?

Wilder Sensing technology will quantify exactly what is happening in the biodiversity crisis. I have a copy of the iconic Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, which was published 60 years ago, and we haven’t learned from that. I think this type of technology will hold a mirror up to people to show exactly what is going on. I would love to get a good quality recording from 50 years ago, maybe two or three hours of dawn chorus in woodland, and go back to the same time of year in the same place (assuming it still exists) and compare it. Showing exactly that this is the difference in diversity.

To find out more about the innovative work by Wilder Sensing, their blog features some interesting case studies on the applications of their technology and they are also active on LinkedIn. For more information on Wilder Sensing and their product, email info@wildersensing.com.

No Mow May 2024: An Update

Each year, Plantlife launch their national campaign of #NoMowMay. This initiative encourages people across the UK to allow their garden lawns to grow wild in the spring, providing vital habitats for many species. Here at NHBS, this is our fourth year taking part – each year in awe of the diversity of species in our lawn. Find our previous No Mow May blog posts on our conservation hub. Here, we give an update on the species we saw throughout last month.

The wilder lawns that develop during No Mow May provide a haven for invertebrate species in our gardens. At NHBS, we saw a whole host of insects in and around our lawn last month, from wasps to weevils and Green-veined White butterflies. Other highlights have included:

A Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata) – a diurnal moth species frequenting meadows and grassland.

Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) – found near rivers and areas of freshwater between May and August.

Volucella bombylans – a bumblebee-mimicking hoverfly common throughout the UK.

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) – a damselfly with a striking blue, metallic body found near rivers and streams.

And some beautiful wildflowers, including Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and Perforate St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Here are some of our favourites:

The Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) – the most common and widespread of marsh orchids, features spectacular purple petals.

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) – named for its mimicry, the Bee Orchid self-pollinates due to a lack of appropriate pollinators in the UK. The specimen on our lawn has yet to bloom (left), but we have a striking image from last year showcasing the mimicry of this species (right).

Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis) – also known as ‘Lady’s-smock’, this flower is one of the first signs of spring, often found near riverbanks, wet meadows and grassland.

Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) – considered a ‘good luck charm’ for travellers, this plant has a beautiful blue flower and is found in meadows, woods and hedgerows across the UK.

Our Product and Purchasing Manager, Mark, has documented the progress of his local park during No Mow May. Towards the end of the month, the green expanse had varying lengths of grass and plenty of wildflowers, encouraging pollinating species – a great example of how local councils can boost biodiversity in public spaces.

And our Sales and Marketing Manager, Adam, has grown his lawn throughout May creating a corridor for local wildlife brimming with wild buttercups, dandelions and many other self-seeded plants.

No Mow May is a fantastic initiative to engage with, attracting homeowners, businesses and local councils with its wealth of benefits. If you have enjoyed taking part, then Let it Bloom June could be a great opportunity to continue supporting your garden wildlife. This scheme simply involves continuing the No Mow May philosophy throughout the summer with less garden maintenance. You may choose to allow your entire garden to grow wild or leave some areas untouched for wildlife.

Have you taken part in No Mow May? Share your pictures with us via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

No Mow May: A Celebration of Wildflower Power

This spring, traditional British lawns are out. Throughout the month of May, Plantlife urges us to let our gardens be wild with #NoMowMay. This exciting initiative encourages us to embrace a wild lawn this spring, providing plants, invertebrates and other wildlife the opportunity to make our gardens a home. No Mow May could transform your green spaces into a colourful kaleidoscope of flowers you never knew were there. From buttercups to bee orchids, here at NHBS we have had an astonishing array of wildflowers in previous years, and we are hoping that this year will be the same!

Knowing when, and how, to mow your lawn to encourage wildflower growth and minimise grass domination can be confusing, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to supporting native wildlife. In anticipation of May, we outline the important things to consider when maintaining your lawn over the coming seasons.

Tightly manicured garden lawns are unable to host the diverse communities associated with a natural space. The artificially constructed environment, with uniform grass length and limited species, prevents our native wildflowers from blooming and our vital insects from settling. Lawn feeds and fertilisers often used to maintain our lawns can result in unnaturally high levels of soil fertility. Such levels can unintentionally diminish the diversity of flora within our gardens, since native wildflowers are adapted to low-nutrient conditions. Associated with higher carbon emissions, time consumption and overall cost, many are steering clear of a high maintenance lawn this spring.

A spring-flowering lawn provides a whole host of benefits for the wildlife within our gardens. Opting for a wild, native lawn provides essential breeding habitats, food sources and physical protection for a number of species. These spaces give wildflowers a chance to bloom and set seed, benefitting both insects, and the predators who rely on them.

A bee orchid in the centre, in front of a wild lawn — Our Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) from #NoMowMay 2022. Image by Oli Haines.

So, how and when should we mow?

Less is more! Switching up your mowing routine, or refraining from a mow in some areas, is a great way to maximise diversity in your garden. After a short time, your outdoor spaces can flourish into a haven for wildlife. From voles to vetches, and even British reptiles, watch your garden transform from monoculture to a wild refuge.

Varied grass length, wild edges, or longer patches of lawn are great for attracting local wildlife to your garden. You may find orchids, ox-eye daisy and knapweed in these longer areas, which also provide cover for small mammals that may be wandering through, and shorter areas can boost pollen availability from low-lying flowers, like buttercups and clover. Plantlife advocates for a varied mowing approach with longer patches throughout the garden, alongside shorter areas (aiming to mimic grazing pressures of different herbivorous species in the wild). For instance, you might decide to maintain shorter pathways and areas around patios, but allow other areas of your green spaces to grow freely.

It is important to remove cuttings after lawn maintenance to prevent excess nitrogen in the soil, thus reducing nitrophilic plants (species with a preference for nitrate rich habitat, typically from fertilisers and the decomposition of organic material) in your garden. ‘Cut and rot’ management can be counterproductive when cultivating wildflowers, as low levels of soil nutrition are preferred by many and will harbour the most diversity. In fact, frequent fertilisation and additional nutrition can result in an overall decline of wildflowers, leading to a dominance of nitrophilic plant species.

A garden during No Mow May with varied grass length, wildlife corridors and vegetable patches. — A garden with varied grass length during No Mow May. Image by Allan Harris via Flickr.

Knowing when, and how, to mow during the year is key to maximise flowering of wildflower species, while simultaneously preventing grass domination: to do this, it is generally recommended to mow three times a year; early spring, late summer and in autumn.

A 3-inch, early spring mow is beneficial to kickstart the season, promoting early growth and blooming. An early mow can also help to tackle nitrophiles, like nettles and cow parsley. This can help to prevent competition, allowing wildflowers to grow undisturbed. However, be wary of mowing too early, as this can prevent wildflower seeding and will impact your gardens growth next year.

A summer mow in late July, or August, removes the previous growth, encouraging the bloom of wildflowers later in the season. As far as insects are concerned, the later the mow, the better. Insect species tend to hatch in the warmer parts of spring and summer, so a mow in late August will prevent harm to hatching individuals.

Around late November, an autumn mow can help to promote reseeding and encourages germination in the following spring. Allow the wildflowers in your lawn to finish flowering and let them go to seed, a mow after this allows the seedheads to disperse seeds into your lawn. An autumn cut can also keep grass growth under control, further encouraging germination.

There are also certain considerations to be wary of when forming wild areas in your garden. These habitats will attract a great number of species, who may make your lawn a home. Best practice involves leaving an area of your lawn untouched to house these species, but if you are looking to tidy up your garden after No Mow May, wildlife must be considered. Wildlife in our lawns can be harmed in the process of tidying up our outside spaces. It is recommended to disturb, or walk through patches to be maintained to shoo species from the area. On the first mow, start with a higher cut to give smaller animals a chance to escape. When mowing the lawn, start with garden paths and areas of high footfall, working toward the edges of the garden. This, again, provides wildlife with an escape route through the boundaries of your garden. If your garden has fences or hedgerows, a wildlife corridor along your borders is another way to support visiting animals. Untouched, or lightly managed, strips along these areas can provide a safe space for travel around the garden, providing cover and protection from predators.

hedgehog looking out from a bush — Hedgehog by Kalle Gustafsson via Flickr.

How can we prepare for No Mow May?

If you currently use fertilisers, lawn feed, moss killers or pesticides, abandoning the use of these additives in your garden will allow the soil to recover from these harmful chemicals. This can provide microscopic and invertebrate soil communities a chance to recover, improving the overall health of your soil.

For some of us, early bloomers may already be present in our gardens. Cowslip, violets and primroses may be popping up on our lawns, showcasing the first few flowers of the season. You may consider allowing these to go undisturbed, giving them a head start for spring. Having said that, the best way to prepare for No Mow May is a 3-inch April cut to encourage a strong period of spring growth.

Whether or not you decide to mow the lawn this spring, consider leaving an area of your garden wild. Whether this be a natural lawn or rough borders, we hope you feel inspired to take part in this year’s #NoMowMay!

This week in biodiversity news – 4th March 2024

Rediscoveries and Recovery

The Norfolk hawker dragonfly is no longer extinct, with the species set to be taken off the British Red List of endangered species after a large-scale population surge. Since its extinction in the Cambridgeshire Fens in the 1890‘s, the Norfolk Hawker’s small population has been restricted to the Norfolk Broads. However, in recent years they have been found in Kent, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Dorset and Devon due to an increase in suitable habitats across Britain resulting from climate breakdown. This has been the driving force behind the species recovery, however, the gaps in the current population distribution need filling to ensure the Norfolk Hawker’s long-term survival.?

Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly perched on a plant in the sun. — Norfolk Hawker by Jo Garbutt, via flickr.

A breeding population of an incredibly rare species of turtle has been discovered in India. The Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle is native to south and south-east Asia and has been classed as critically endangered. The discovery of a breeding female on the banks of the Chandragiri River in Kerala, however, provides hope for this illusive species. The study was led by a group of international conservationists who worked alongside local communities to record the first documentation of a female nest, and subsequently rescue the eggs from flooding. The hatchings have since been released into the river, and the team are now working closely with the local community to set up a hatchery and nursery near the original nesting site.?

Climate

Since 2000, more than a third of Antarctica’s glacier anchors have reduced in size. These anchors, or “pinning points,” are important braking mechanisms that hold the glaciers in place and subsequently reduce the rate of ice detachment from the continent. New research conducted by the University of Edinburgh suggests that an increase in global sea temperatures is causing these points to thin at a much faster rate than previously estimated. Since 2000, 37% of pinning points have either shrunk or completely disappeared, and, as a result, the glacier’s braking force is weakening.?

Amazing shapes and deep blue tumbled down the huge glaciers that lined the shores. — Antarctica 162 – dramatic landscape by McKay Savage, via flickr.

The UK has had the wettest February on record, according to the Met Office. Between December 2023 and January 2024, the UK experienced 90% of the total expected winter rainfall. This increase in wet weather continued throughout February with some areas of the UK seeing two and a half times their normal rainfall for this month alone. These adverse weather conditions, a result of climate change, is having detrimental effects on farmers due to increased crop flooding, with some farms in Lincolnshire having been underwater since October.

Science and Environment

A 12mm long, transparent fish has been found to make a sound as loud as a pneumatic drill. Scientists in Berlin were studying the Danionella cerebrum in their lab when they began hearing strange clicking noises coming from the male fish in the tank. Upon investigation, they discovered that this miniscule species can make a sound of 108 decibels when measured at a distance of one metre away – this is roughly equivalent to the noise made by a bulldozer and is likely to be the volume at which other fish hear the sound. This noise is created by the contraction and release of the fish’s swim bladder, and it is one of the loudest noises ever discovered in a fish of this size.?

Ancient trees play an irreplaceable role in supporting forest life, according to experts. The results from a recent study in the Spanish Pyrenees show that ancient trees no longer exert energy on reproduction, and instead prioritise stress tolerance, durability and slower growth. It has also been revealed that, over time, sections of older trees die and decay, which allows them to host more diverse and greater quantities of different species than younger trees, as juveniles don’t possess the unique physical and physiological features to support them. Although the number of old growth trees continue to decline worldwide, researchers Munne-Bosch and Pasques hope their report will highlight the importance of our ancient trees’ ecological role.?

Old, twisted Silver Birch tree near Owler Tor in the Peak District. — Silver Birch by Steve Batch 61, via flickr.

Policy

The government are expected to announce a move to 100% badger culling under exceptional circumstances in the coming weeks. The current policy on badger culling aims to reduce badger numbers by 70% in each cull area, however the government may increase the target to 100% in certain circumstances, subject to consultation, as of January 2026. The Government had previously stated that the cull would end in 2025 and be replaced by increased badger vaccinations, however some fear that the new 100% cull policy may become standard practice instead.

Parliament has implemented the first EU nature law to restore 30% of the EU’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. This comes into effect after recent findings reveal that over 80% of all European habitats are in poor shape, and aims to ensure the restoration of 60% of these environments by 2040, and 90% by 2050. The EU has pledged that once these ecosystems are restored, they will ensure that the area does not significantly deteriorate once more in a bid to aid the long-term recovery of damaged natural areas.