What’s new?
9 February 2009
Green tigers in the snow
Habitat management work continues in winter weather
Despite the weather, work has continued to improve the habitat for green tiger beetles and other heathland species at Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
Over the last six months, volunteers have mapped the reserve in detail and carried out gorse and tree management across the site. They have also monitored the distribution of characteristic invertebrates, particularly ants, as well as the speed at which gorse can encroach onto open heather areas. All of the information gathered will help to assess how well management on the site is benefitting biodiversity and improve knowledge of this important habitat.
The Green Tiger Beetle Project, funded by Biffaward – a multi-million pound environmental fund which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa waste services – was launched in June 2008 and benefits this unique heathland habitat through active management and monitoring work, carried out by local people and Wildlife Trust Ecology Group volunteers.
Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, owned by Ampthill Town Council and managed by the Trust, is the largest remaining patch of heathland in Bedfordshire and represents about a third of the county’s total. Lowland heathland is also threatened globally, although it is home to a wealth of specialist plants and animals.
For more details about the project, including how to get involved with monitoring or management, please contact Ed Turner on 01234 364213 or email Ed.Turner@wildlifebcnp.org