Individuals are being inspired to return to South Downs Nationwide Park’s ReNature Pageant (22 to 29 June), as new ecological knowledge seems to disclose that the park’s ongoing ReNature initiative – which goals to revive and create wildlife havens throughout Sussex and Hampshire – is having a major impression.
Since 2020, eminent ecologist Neil Hulme has carried out butterfly surveys at 27 websites which can be being restored or maintained by the South Downs Nationwide Park Authority and its companions.
Virtually 6,000 butterflies from 36 species have been counted in that point, together with the best rely of the uncommon Duke of Burgundy butterfly to this point and new discoveries such because the Hornet Robberfly and Cistus Forester moth. The research exhibits that the richest butterfly fauna is being discovered on websites with good habitat administration, together with success tales corresponding to Beeding Hill which is now bountiful within the iconic adonis blue butterfly.
In the meantime, there’s a rising record of scientifically-backed research reporting quite a lot of species bouncing again within the Nationwide Park, together with the natterjack toad, bats and water vole, in keeping with South Downs Nationwide Park Authority.
The ReNature marketing campaign was launched 4 years in the past in response to the nationwide biodiversity disaster with the aim of remodeling 13,000 hectares – or over 20,000 soccer pitches – into habitat for wildlife by 2030.
The marketing campaign is now properly over midway to reaching its goal. A complete of 6,766 hectares – an space larger than Portsmouth – has been created or improved to assist nature thrive.
The work has included planting over 70,000 bushes, including over 160 soccer pitches of wildflowers, planting 35km of hedges, restoring ponds, and creating new wildlife havens on the sides of farms and concrete growth. Round a dozen new websites throughout the Nationwide Park are as a consequence of obtain assist to assist create extra wildflower meadows.
Figures present that the Nationwide Park’s planning position can also be having a huge impact, with Biodiversity Internet Acquire (BNG) popping out at thrice the goal for final yr. Which means many developments are bettering habitats for wildlife in comparison with what was there beforehand.
Jan Knowlson, Biodiversity Officer for the Nationwide Park, mentioned: “We’re actually excited to announce the pageant at a time when a lot is being achieved to assist wildlife bounce again. That is nice alternative to be taught extra concerning the uncommon habitats of the South Downs Nationwide Park and what’s being achieved to assist them flourish.
“The biodiversity disaster could be very actual and never going away – there are virtually 1,500 native species of crops and animals within the UK now threatened with extinction.
“However there’s a lot we are able to do to show the tide on biodiversity loss by creating these areas and refuges, nonetheless huge or small, for wildlife.
“We wish to encourage folks to attach with nature and do their bit if they will, whether or not it’s making a pollinator-friendly backyard, organising a neighborhood litter choose or performing some wildlife surveying.”
And Jan added: “Nature restoration doesn’t occur in a single day, however the ecological research are very encouraging and present that nature actually can flourish given the prospect. The South Downs is famend for its butterflies, so it’s fantastic to know they’re doing properly.”
The South Downs Nationwide Park’s ReNature Pageant takes place from 22 to 29 June with “an interesting array of actions to assist folks join with a few of the rarest habitats on the earth”.
“This yr’s pageant explores the sights and sounds of nature, in addition to three key habitats within the Nationwide Park: the butterfly havens of chalk grasslands, reptile-rich heathlands, and the darkish evening skies which can be oases for nocturnal wildlife.”
Scheduled actions embrace guided nature walks at gorgeous areas, “bioblitzes” to find all creatures nice and small, rock pooling, talks, night-time safaris and immersive nature sound experiences. “Among the many highlights will likely be a guided stroll at a former golf course close to Brighton that’s now teeming with butterflies.”
The total programme for the ReNature Pageant could be discovered at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/renature-festival/. Most of the occasions are free and drop-in, whereas others must booked prematurely.
