Under the guidance of a Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) Community Conservation Officer, over 90 species of wildlife, including wolf spiders and dragonflies have been discovered in an award-winning garden in Lyme Regis.
The garden, which belongs to Angela Patterson, came second in the best medium sized garden category in the Wildlife Friendly Gardening awards in 2012 and won Best Improved category 2013. Angela invited friends and neighbours to carry out a pond dip and a bug hunt in just three hours with DWT Community Conservation Officer, Joy Wallis.
Joy said: “The wealth of wildlife we found is a result of the garden being managed for the benefit of wildlife. Changes such as the installation of a small pond, or a bird box can make such a difference and welcome all kinds of wildlife, during the day and the night. Three different dragonfly nymphs were found in the pond along with a healthy population of palmate newts, in full breeding colours. Around the edge of the pond, numerous wolf spiders were hunting for the flies and non-biting midges as they emerged from the water. It was great to see the benefits for wildlife, and the local residents getting so much pleasure from recording what they found.”
Angela Patterson said: “This has been so inspiring and will spur me on to keep looking out for more and more species. After seeing 14 species of moth being caught in our trap, such as the beautiful bright yellow brimstone moth, I am now planning to get my own moth trap to see if we can find even more!”
Bees and hoverflies were out in force in the sunshine, with five different bumblebees, three solitary bees and four hoverflies discovered. A wood mouse was also found in one of the humane Longworth traps set around the garden.
Conservationists rely on wildlife recordings from members of the public. DWT’s HLF funded scheme, ‘Wildlife on your doorstep’, is a great place to start recording wildlife in your garden or local green space. Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/woyd to download your pack.
You can also enter your garden in the DWT Wildlife Friendly Gardening competition, sponsored by the Gardens Group. Entry is free and every garden entered is visited by a judging team who can give suggestions on how you can improve your garden for wildlife in the future. The closing date for entries is 19thMay. To download your entry form, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifegardening.
To apply for a plaque declaring your garden ‘wildlife friendly’, send your photos to Joy Wallis on [email protected] with a list of the wildlife friendly features you have in your garden. For more information, visit https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-friendly-gardens-scheme.html. Or, contact Joy Wallis on 01305 264620.
