marcusrhodes.bsky.social
Ecologist in pursuit of butterflies. Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Exeter, Cornwall working on nature recovery and species' responses to climate change. He/Him
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...and the first frogs have arrived in the garden pond.
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They most certainly are!
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Thank you!
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Treasure indeed!
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Brilliant!
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Butterfly Conservation has some info on Bracken management for Fritillaries. If you do find Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at the site, it would be worth contacting Jenny Plackett (BC's Conservation Manager for South West England) for some advice. butterfly-conservation.org/sites/defaul...
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We have used this method in the development of the new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy. If you’d like to know more about the theory behind it, have a read of this thread: bsky.app/profile/marc...
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At @uniofexeteresi.bsky.social, we have been pioneering a new spatial modelling approach to target nature recovery where it is needed by species, but in places that will minimise the potential impact on food security and maximise the delivery of ecosystem services.
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Without thoughtful planning, this could lead to conflicts with other land uses, especially food production. Sometimes, there are also trade-offs between targeting nature recovery to benefit biodiversity vs the delivery of ecosystem services.
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Furthermore, biodiversity loss is predominantly driven by the decline of habitat specialists, which are often very localised. Bending the biodiversity curve requires targeting land for nature recovery in places that will benefit these specialists.
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It is not the case that we can target all nature recovery on marginal land in the uplands of the north and west. Species richness for most taxa is highest in the lowlands of the south and east (e.g. macro moths).
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For the Land Use Framework to be effective in reversing biodiversity loss, it will need to explicitly consider the distribution of species across England. Land prioritised for nature must reflect where species occur and their different requirements for habitat.
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Try somewhere a little more wooded than Caradon Hill. Stunted Oaks on the moorland-woodland fringe can make for easier searching (and good, low-down views of the adults in summer). St Cleer Downs, Bullard Downs or Phoenix United Mine look like they may have potential.
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Happy hunting Brigit! Do let me know how you get on.
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The eggs often prove easier to find than the rather elusive adults!
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They'll use Pendunculate, Sessile and Turkey Oak (and I think they may even have been found on Holm Oak too). Trees in sheltered, sunny locations (e.g. along the southern/western edges of woods) are preferred, but I suspect they are on all but the most exposed or isolated Oaks in Cornwall.
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Brilliant! That sounds like an exciting project!