I have been ploughing through multiple emails and over 1,300 entries on i-Record to update South Milton Ley’s confirmed species lists. A bit of a labour of love but a task where I am very aware that my own contribution has been largely administrative rather than practical. 59 new insect species have been added and a few removed where their identities were not confirmed. Consequently, the arthropod list has increased from 907 species in 2022, when the current management plan was written, up to the current total of 1061 species! I have lost track of the number of moth species added by “The Flying Trappers”. There were just 6 species listed in 2015, 145 in 2017 and the moth list now stands at a much more respectable 257 species.
Thanks are due to all those individuals and groups who have given their time over the last few years to explore and catalogue the biodiversity of the reserve. This was a task which, along with many of Devon Bird’s other reserves, was long overdue and which has identified a variety of non-avian species of conservation concern, highlighting the value of the habitat beyond the bird population. I was going to list the multitude of contributors here but quickly realised that it would be a long list and there was a significant risk of individuals being omitted in error. Thanks to all concerned! You know who you are!
The revised species lists now stand as follows:
56 diatoms, 208 vascular plants, 1061 arthropods, 215 birds and 44 other vertebrate species. Spreadsheets are available on request. I am also keen to hear from anyone with an interest in mosses, liverworts, lichens, fungi or any other groups not currently listed who might be prepared to have a look around the reserve sometime.
The Early Worm 