Rare wildlife observed in nature reserves during heatwaves

Volunteers working with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust documented a great white egret sighting close to Ware, and identified over 300 Chalkhill blue butterflies at Hexton Chalk Pit near Hitchin. This location also yielded the first glow-worm discovery in a quarter-century.

The trust attributed these observations partly to the exceptionally warm weather conditions, but also highlighted the increased survey and monitoring efforts across the county as a contributing factor.

Dan Townsend, a senior reserves officer, commented that this summer brought about some remarkable findings, ranging from species not seen in Hertfordshire for decades to entirely new discoveries for specific nature reserves.

It was noted that grasshopper populations thrived throughout the hot summer, and butterflies experienced an accelerated life cycle, leading to their emergence in substantial numbers.

Conversely, the trust indicated that bumblebees and hoverflies faced difficulties during the same period.

The Herts Invertebrate Project, an initiative launched in 2015, has utilized these reserves as sites for numerous important discoveries.

At Aldbury Nowers, near Tring, researchers recorded the leafhopper Zygina hyperici, marking its first appearance in the county since 1916.

The leafhopper species Arboridia parvula, typically associated with Common Rockrose, was also documented for the first time in Hertfordshire since 1976. Additionally, the survey uncovered Agyneta mollis, a minute and nationally rare money spider.

Jersey Tiger moths, historically more prevalent in the Channel Islands, have increasingly been observed further north, and Hummingbird Hawk-moths are now frequently sighted in Hertfordshire.

Townsend explained that these findings are crucial for understanding which species are present, their geographical distribution, and how they are adapting to environmental changes.

He stressed that such knowledge is vital for effectively managing their nature reserves and ensuring wildlife has the best chance to flourish.

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