© Image courtesy of Clarkson & Woods
On Thursday 9th July, a team of 12 ecologists from Clarkson & Woods Ecological Consultancy carried out a comprehensive ecological survey of our two fields at Roborough. This will provide us with a baseline to measure against any changes we make in the coming years. The survey included taking botanical quadrats in transects across the two fields to compile a thorough plant species list; in-depth sampling and identification of invertebrate diversity; visual bird sightings; and two static bat-detectors were used to survey the diversity of bats.
Some interesting sightings that turned up included Reed Buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus), Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum), Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), and a beautiful Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)!