Scientists from Welsh university launch project to save threatened orchard species

Abby Neve

Scientists from a Welsh University are helping to protect some of the country’s rarest orchard wildlife as a new conservation initiative launches.

The three-year project lead by Aberystwyth university will focus on four threatened species – the noble chafer beetle, red-horned cardinal click beetle, orchard toothcrust fungus and mistletoe marble moth.

Dr Niall McKeown from the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, said:

“This project is an exciting opportunity to generate much needed insights into old wood orchard biodiversity. We will employ genetic methods to understand the ecology of these species and their interactions with their orchard habitats, and then to use this information to ensure we can appropriately conserve these species.”

The initiative aims to build the knowledge and skills needed to identify and monitor these species, while supporting landowners to restore and create valuable orchard habitats that the species’ can live in.

Aberystwyth University will work alongside Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Experts from the University’s Department of Life Sciences will use innovative techniques involving pheromones and DNA to improve monitoring of noble chafer and red-horned cardinal click beetle populations.

The work will bring about better understanding of the distribution and status of these rare insects, enabling conservationists to target recovery efforts more effectively.

Steve Bloomfield, Head of Conservation for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said

“One in six species in the UK are at risk of extinction. With the natural world underpinning everything from clean air and water to food production, we need to give it every chance we can of bouncing back. This is a great opportunity to do just that.

“Over the next few years, we’ll not only be working with and supporting landowners to do great things for wildlife but we’ll also be undertaking some really exciting research to learn more about these rare and elusive species.”

Traditional orchards are among the UK’s most valuable yet threatened habitats, supporting a rich variety of wildlife. Conservation work carried out through the project is expected to benefit a wide range of species in addition to the four primary targets.

Dr Niall McKeown said:

“Traditional surveys can be challenging for species that are highly elusive or occur in very small populations. Therefore, in addition to generating ecological insights we will develop tools to detect and track species, providing vital information for their long-term conservation.

The project is one of 130 conservation initiatives receiving support through the UK government’s ‘Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife’ programme, which is investing £60 million in the recovery of 364 threatened species. The initiative is funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme.

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