Wildlife flourishing at Blakeney Point

187 species of beetle have been found at Blakeney Point.

On a sunny and warm weekend in September, a group of nine experts from Norfolk and further afield, kindly volunteered their time and expertise to survey the National Trust's Blakeney Point nature reserve. They were looking for its small, but important, wildlife such as beetles, spiders, ants and lichens. Their sharp-eyed survey work and identification skills produced an amazing list of 187 beetles, 5 ants, 24 spiders and 41 lichen species.

Two new records for Norfolk
Several rare species were discovered. Two of the beetle species, a Rove beetle and a Fungus beetle, are new to Norfolk and another had not been seen since the 19th century. Overall there were five Red Data Book beetle species and 18 listed as nationally scarce. The most diverse group was the 58 species of Rove beetles, which included the Devil's Coach-horse beetle.

Amongst the ants, are two tiny species that have managed to colonise even the farthest west sand spit of Blakeney Point, including a nationally rare species. Lichens are an unusual association of fungi and algae, which are able to live on almost any surface, but most don't tolerate polluted air or rain.

National Trust nature conservation advisor, Stuart Warrington, said: "We are indebted to these wonderful volunteers without whom we just would not know how important Blakeney Point is for insects and other invertebrates. The lichen discoveries were fascinating too and showed that every surface and structure on the Point can support interesting wildlife."

Sandwich & Little terns, & Ringed plover
The September survey rounded off a good summer for Blakeney Point. The breeding birds had a good season with the Sandwich Tern colony growing to 3100 pairs, up from 2400 pairs in 2008. About half of the pairs managed to fledge a youngster, which is similar to previous years. Other highlights were the 86 pairs of the delightful Little Terns that nested on the Point's shingle beaches and produced 52 fledglings, and 13 pairs of Ringed Plover which raised 12 chicks.

David Wood, National Trust head warden at Blakeney, commented: "The success of the terns depends on a whole range of factors, including a supply of small fish, good weather and tides, and not too much disturbance. Last summer's successes were thanks to good conditions, the hard work of staff and volunteers and the understanding and support of visitors and the local community."