BUTTERFLIES RETURN TO our woodland
In April 2010, we launched a project to restore woodland which surrounds our zoological park, the first phase being supported by a grant of £14,708 from The Veolia Environmental Trust.
The 30 hectares of woodland is home to a wide range of Ancient Woodland Vascular Plants including beautiful early purple orchids (Orchis mascula), dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and the edible pignut (Conopodium majus).
Many native and migrating wild birds and mammals, including the nationally rare yellow necked mouse, also live in the woodland.
In just over a year, conservationists have seen the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) and other butterflies, such as the Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) and Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) increase in abundance in the area.
The thinning of coniferous woodland has been particularly important in the restoration process and the expansion of the range of these species.
Martin Wilkie, Marwell Wildlife’s conservation biologist said: “The long-term management of this habitat is an integral part of the conservation work that Marwell Wildlife undertakes, and it is key for conserving the flora and fauna of these important woodlands.
“And habitat restoration such as the thinning of European larch is likely to attract more wildlife due to the increased availability of habitat.”
This phase of restoration is expected to continue until September 2012.
Mr Wilkie added: "Initiating the restoration of Marwell's ancient woodlands has only been possible through the supportof The Veolia Environmental Trust, and the hard work of team volunteers.
“As well as enhancing local biodiversity, the nature reserve will also improve access to nature for local communities.”
The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, added, “This scheme demonstrates how grants from the Trust can help protect and preserve valuable habitats, benefiting the species living in them and the people who visit and enjoy them. I look forward to seeing this work develop in the coming months and well done to all the volunteers who have taken part so far.”
Other works undertaken in the woodlands with the help of team volunteers include the control of invasive species, which are a major problem for the British woodlands. Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) for example, rapidly disperses over large areas out competing native plants. Removing it enables native flowering plants to recolonise the area and these in turn attract a range of insects.
The restoration and conservation work includes:
Re-establishing woodland rides: Opening tracks and rides allows light to penetrate to the woodland floor, encouraging ground flora to flourish and creating habitat for insects which favour warm conditions.
- Coppicing: Rotational cutting of some species, such as hazel or ash, creates dense understorey habitat for wildlife such as warblers and nightingales. Harvesting coppiced stems every 5-10 years as a crop creates diverse coppice blocks supporting a wide variety of wildlife.
- Improving woodland edge habitat: The regeneration of scrub, e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, and bramble provide habitat and early nectar for invertebrates, especially butterflies.
- Removal of alien species including European larch, Rhododendron and Laurel. Controlling these dominating species assist in restoring ancient broadleaf woodland.
- Woodland creation: Creating woodland corridors between isolated copses allows movement of wildlife and increases native woodland areas.