BioBlitz finds hundreds of wildlife species

Hundreds of wildlife species were recorded on bank holiday Saturday at the Corfe Mullen BioBlitz. The event, organised by Corfe Mullen Nature Watch and Dorset Wildlife Trust, brought local residents, families and some of the county’s top experts together to find as much wildlife as they could over 12 hours.

What was found on the day?

Full results are still coming in, but Jane Adams, Co-ordinator of Corfe Mullen Nature Watch, said: “We expect the total of different species to be over 500, which is far more than we had hoped for. That included 180 lichens alone! Many of these sites, including private gardens, public footpaths and churchyards, had not been fully investigated before, so it is very exciting. “

Opened by wildlife film maker Hugh Miles, the day included guided walks, wildlife hunts, moth traps and bat detecting as well as people recording wildlife in their own gardens. The event, which was funded by the East Dorset Community Partnership, will be featured on BBC Radio 4’s Saving Species programme at 11am on 7th September, repeated at 9pm on 9th September.

What were the wildlife highlights of BioBlitz?

Wildlife highlights of the day include hobby, nightjar, spotted flycatcher and yellow wagtail, with rare reptiles including smooth snake and sand lizard. One expert alone found 100 different plant species at St Hubert’s Church field, while other finds included brown argus butterfly and the scarce marsh gentian.

Nicky Hoar, Communications Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to find out about the huge variety of wildlife living side by side with people. The data coming from this event will help in the task of protecting the wildlife and habitats of Dorset.”

You can report your wildlife sightings at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife_sightings.html.

-ENDS-
Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Nicky Hoar at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve.

The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.

About Corfe Mullen Nature Watch
To find out more contact Jane Adams on jane@naturewatched.org or see http://www.naturewatched.org/