Calling all nature lovers – keep recording at Bedgebury!
We’ve been delighted by the response to the Bedgebury Pinetum Big Forest Find project. This project is part of the Forestry Commission’s centenary celebrations inviting people to join the biggest ever survey of England’s forest wildlife. The Big Forest Find has taken place in the nation’s forests, with volunteers and visitors embarking on a journey of discovery through England’s wooded landscapes.
Launched in April 2019, TV wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan said;
“Forests are an amazing environment to see and hear wildlife, from birds nesting, finding food and hunting in the canopy, to the abundance of insects living on the forest floor. There's usually way more life living in a forest than is noticeable at first glance.”
From birds and butterflies to insects and plant life, the information gathered will paint a better picture of England’s forest biodiversity today. The records from the Big Forest Find and its legacy will continue to help Forestry England to enhance its forests and woodlands for wildlife, for generations to come.
We’ll be rounding up and sharing highlights from the Bedgebury Big Forest Find observations soon.
Here’s a quick set of stats:-
The first observation was a Minotaur beetle when the project opened in April!
Overall most observations: 25 Cinnabar moth & Common spotted orchids tie at the top
Birds most observations: Canada Goose
Insects most observations: Gatekeeper butterfly
Trees most observations: Scots Pine
Fungi most observations: Shaggy mane
Our favourite observation: Purple Emperor
In the meantime, the fungi this autumn is brilliant and there’s plenty more to spot out in the pinetum and forest.
The Fungi Walk hosted by the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum on 19 October found an awesome 79 species in just two walks. We’ve seen 89 species of fungi in the project in total, with lots more that haven’t received a research grade ID yet or are classified as ‘Fungi including lichens’. If you know your fungi please do help to id those that need verifying.
The Big Forest Find project ends today. However at Bedgebury we're encouraging everyone to keep recording and join our brand new project – the Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest Find. This new project extends into the forest and opens tomorrow, 1st November.
You can see more historical data about observations at Bedgebury on the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum Species spotted page of their website.
And finally
We’re establishing a brand new volunteering group at Bedgebury – the Tuesday Conservation Volunteer Group. Find out more
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