BioBlitz 2009

After the success of our first BioBlitz at Druridge Bay in 2008 (despite the weather!) the members of the Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership again broke out their binoculars, nets and identification books in search of species in 2009.

The venue for 2009 was Holy Island. This site is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve; a combination of sand dunes, saltmarshes and mudflats which create a place which is home to fascinating plants and a food supply that attracts bird visitors from thousands of miles away.

The NNR is managed by Natural England Reserve Staff to protect habitats and wildlife for people's enjoyment.

A BioBlitz is a race against time to count as many species of plant and animal as possible at a particular site in a 24 hour period. It also provides a chance for the public to get involved and see what scientists are doing. Activities included rock pooling, whin grassland, bird spotting and minibeasts.

Species recording started at 13:00 on Friday 12th June and finished at 13:00 Saturday 13th June.

Staff and volunteers logged a total of 755 species records which equated to 467 different species:

The first species recorded was a Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) and the last species was the caterpillar of a Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli subsp. humuli)

Pupils from Alnwick South First School helped to identify a number of different marine species including Hermit Crab, Lugworm, Beadlet Anemone and Barnacle.

Other highlights included:

Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
Common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) - Listen to a Common Pipistrelle bat recording (WAV file) from the Northumberland Bat Group
Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens)
Green Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas)
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

A massive thank you to Lesley and the staff at Cafe Beangoose B&B who were so helpful in providing accomodation for the overnighters and more importantly a fantastic breakfast.