Discovering the Hidden World of Invertebrates in Sophie Watson’s Garden
Results of the Species Survey organized by Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council & Partners
Nature has a way of surprising us – even in the smallest corners of our community. Over seven days in late May and early June 2024, a dedicated group of locals came together to uncover the rich biodiversity hidden in Sophie Watson’s Garden in Seaview.
This pilot invertebrate survey is just the first step in understanding and protecting the tiny creatures that are vital to our local ecosystems.
A Community Effort
We’d like to thank the enthusiastic volunteers who made this survey possible:
Rebecca Hardie, Lynn Stack, Jo King, Sophie Love, Sarah Wilkinson, Sarah Morrison, Rosie Hill, Chani Courtney and her family, and especially James Crofts.
What We Found
Using sweep nets to explore vegetation and visual observations for flying insects, the team recorded:
- 30 unique species
- 143 individual invertebrates
Notable discoveries included:
Most Abundant Species: The Midge, with 44 sightings.
Rarest Sightings: The Small Blue Butterfly, Brown Cricket, and Greenfly each seen only once.
Ground-Dwelling Finds: Ants, woodlice, and a snail.
Flying Beauties: Bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.
Weather played a big role – sunny days brought high insect activity, while rain and clouds slowed things down. This highlights how crucial varied conditions are for understanding wildlife behavior.
Key Takeaways
30 Species Recorded
Even small green spaces like this garden support diverse life.
Midges Love the Sun
44 midges were seen, especially active in sunny weather.
Rare and Precious
Single sightings of some species underscore the importance of habitat protection.
Weather Matters
Flying insect activity was highest on sunny days.
143 Individual Sightings
A strong baseline for future comparisons.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year’s survey is just the beginning. The next survey is already planned:
️ Start Date: Saturday, May 24th, 2025
Time: 4 PM daily for seven days
Duration: Less than one hour per day
Support: Full training and equipment provided
We’ll also be introducing wildflowers to enhance the habitat. Want to get involved? We’d love to have you!
Contact Rebecca Hardie
Email:[email protected]
Let’s celebrate and protect the biodiversity that makes our local green spaces so special.