Wildlife in Gardens
A big thank you to those of you who completed the Sussex Biodiversity Partnership/WildCall (Sussex Wildlife Trust) garden wildlife survey postcard at the recent Springwatch event in Stanmer Park.
We asked you to tell us which of the six Biodiversity Action Plan species below you had spotted in your garden over the last year. We had responses from almost 100 people from as far apart as East Grinstead, Billingshurst, Worthing and Eastbourne.
Garden Tiger Arctia caja
Photo: Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: Garden Tigers visit flower borders, hedges or lawns on mid-summer nights, or occasionally during the day. Adults do not feed but caterpillars can be found on a range of plants including dandelions, docks and brambles.
Declines: The Rothampsted Insect Survey reported an 89% decline in numbers over 35 years, particularly in south and east England. A strong link was found between climate and Garden Tiger populations, with decreases after wet winters and warm springs indicating they are being affected by our changing climate.
What you told us: The Garden Tiger was the least recorded of the six species – found in 12 gardens, although this may be partly due to the fact it is most active at night.
More Information: The Moths Count website gives information about how you can be involved in moth recording including the Garden Moths Count survey.
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Photo: Mark Davis/Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: Hedgehogs are often found under piles of logs and leaves or seen foraging on lawns at night.
Declines: Surveys by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species suggested a decline of 20% or more. Hedgehogs have suffered from habitat loss and fragmentation. They are also often killed and injured by garden equipment such as strimmers, and can become trapped and die in places such as cattle grids and ponds.
What you told us: Hedgehogs were recorded in 33 gardens.
More Information: You can record your hedgehog sightings on HogWatch as well as picking up useful information on how to safeguard the hedgehogs in your garden.
Common Toad Bufo bufo
Photo: Paul Marten/Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: Toads may be found in ponds and damp areas, or sheltering in piles of logs or leaves.
Declines: Toads have suffered from a loss of wetland habitats and declines in water quality. In addition large numbers are killed on roads every year as they move to ponds to breed.
What you told us: Toads were recorded in 51 gardens – just over half of those surveyed.
More information: Visit Amphibian and Reptile Conservation where you can find out about the Toads on Roads campaign including the criteria for setting up an official amphibian crossing.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Photo: Darin Smith/Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: House Sparrows can be seen feeding from bird tables, as well as in trees and hedgerows.
Declines: The British Trust for Ornithology estimate there are ten million fewer House Sparrows in the UK than there were 25 years ago. Many reasons have been put forward as to their decline, including reductions in insects during summer and seeds in the winter, and fewer nesting sites.
What you told us: The House Sparrow was the most recorded species – seen in 77 gardens.
More information: Visit the RSPB website to find out more, including how you can be involved in their annual Big Garden Birdwatch.
Slow-worm Anguis fragilis
Photo: Mark Monk-Terry/Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: Slow-worms are most often found in compost heaps or under stones or wood, where they take advantage of the warm conditions.
Declines: Slow-worms are threatened by the loss of semi-natural habitats as well as fragmentation. In gardens they may be killed and injured by garden machinery.
What you told us: Slow-worms were recorded in 54 gardens.
More information: If you find a Slow-worm in your compost please report it to the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme
Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus
Photo: Steve Webster/Sussex Wildlife Trust
In the garden: Adults and larvae are strongly associated with rotting wood, so are usually found in old tree stumps or log piles, although they are occasionally found in compost heaps.
Declines: Stag Beetle declines are linked to losses of habitat in particular the removal of dead and decaying wood – which can also affect many other species.
What you told us: Stag Beetles were spotted in 15 gardens.
More information: Report your sightings to the Great Stag Hunt
Want more information on gardening for wildlife?
For tips on how you can help wildlife in your garden contact WildCall Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Information Service.
