Mini-beasts retreat to Foxearth

Foxearth – A Rocha UK’s first major nature reserve – is becoming a refuge for species under pressure.

While none of the creatures found so far on the 11-acre site is rare, they are representative of the varied habitats at Foxearth. The tyranny of intense farming across eastern England forces them to retreat to this remote Essex reserve and enjoy its complex nature of life support systems.

LONGHORN BEETLE

Foxearth is known as a haven for dragonflies. Ranger Mark Prina has been making note of other interesting species including the so-called ‘Drinker’ moth caterpillar – which supposedly sups on drops of dew – and the Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle that patrols the site’s imposing cavalcade of thistles.

‘None of the species found so far is rare,’ Mark confirmed, ‘but we have species representative of different habitats such as ponds, rivers, swamp, dry and marshy grasslands, scrub, woodland and hedgerows. We’ve found Dark and Roesel’s bush crickets and short-winged Conehead in the rank vegetation – which would probably disappear if the whole site was uniform pasture.’

One of A Rocha UK’s key aims is to maintain this sophisticated network of different domains – from wet areas to dry regions, from grassland to woodland. ‘Each species needs its own space,’ said Mark.

WINGED INSECTS

Dragonflies remain a priority. ‘A Rocha UK trustee David Chandler continues to do regular monitoring of these winged insects at Foxearth,’ said Mark. ‘If you manage a site well for dragonflies, everything else benefits, too.

‘We’re amid mile after mile of arable farming,’ Mark pointed out. ‘That means many species we find will be declining in the wider context because of intense agriculture.’ A Rocha UK’s aim is to preserve this ‘green and pleasant land’.

Mark is seeking volunteers to help with a programme of practical conservation tasks. Contact him here.