What’s Special about Devon? Sarah Jennings, Devon LNP Manager and County Ecologist, DCC

Why is Devon special? All aware of the climate emergency AND wildlife emergency – insect decline well documented Devon’s wildlife is special but is damaged and we ALL have a responsibility to protect what we still have and restore our ecosystems for wildlife and for us…… Wildlife provides decomposition, pollination, pest control, clean air and also joy, inspiration, health and happiness – it underpins our lives…… .

Why is Devon special? The only county with two coasts Loads of designated wildlife habitats 19 Special Areas of Conservation Blanket bogs, heaths, oak woodlands, culm grasslands, sea cliffs, dunes, estuaries, reefs, and sea caves. 205 Sites of Special Scientific Interest Braunton Burrows - 2nd largest sand dune system in the UK Over 2000 County Wildlife Sites 53,000 kms of hedges – the longest and most intact network in GB 3,500 kms of rivers See Marcus for more information -

Why is Devon special? . Loads of different habitats based on varied geology and soils – theses blobs are where we have most remaining habitat that needs protecting, restorating, linking – see Marcus for more information

Why is Devon special? See Marcus for more information -

See www.naturaldevon.org.uk for more information In 2017 species experts worked with DBRC to update the list of Devon’s ‘priority’ species. We have 1600 rare species on the long list We have 96 ‘special’ species = the species that we have a particular responsibility for. See www.naturaldevon.org.uk for more information

Our coast Lundy – rat eradication has led to huge increases in the numbers of puffins and manx shearwaters Sand crocus is one of our special species – only location in the UK is at Dawlish Warren White rock rose – only found on limestone in Somerset and Devon – one of the largest colonies is Berry Head – threatened by scrub due to lack of grazing Moon spider – sea cliffs which are specialist ant predators…only known at three UK sites including Prawle Point and Signalman’s Point – threatened by scrub Zipperback hoverfly – strongly associated with Devon on sunny coastal slopes – threatened by scrub invasion Mediterranean oil beetle – very rare – recently rediscovered and known only at five sites in devon and Sussex – larvae live in solitary bee nests eating the supply of pollen Long-horned bee – have long antennae – found on cliffs in South Devon – threatened by …….

Farmland . Dormice…..special species – EPS – widespread in Devon hedges / woods / scrub String of sausage lichen – branches of trees in canopies or hedges – threatened by pollution Cirl buntings – only found in South Devon although now moving into east Devon……they like scrub! Lots of work done by the RSPB and farmers….

Heaths Heath potter wasp - females build clay pots to lay eggs in – so need mud and water nearby - totally amazing – John Walters – Devon heaths are a national stronghold Narrow headed ants……only found at one site in England – DWT Chudleigh Knighton Heath reserve – threatened by scrub, over grazing, habitat loss and other ants…… Back from the Brink programme trying to increase their population - get involved Southern damselfly – very fussy – likes shallow well vegetated slow flowing streams / flushes in East Devon and North Dartmoor – threatened by lack of grazing leading to sites scrubbing up…..

Verges, orchards, churchyards, parks… Bastard balm – special species found in a variety of habitats – including a road verge…… Apple lace bug – likes lichen covered apple trees – declined due to loss of apple trees…..!

A couple more…! . Beavers - living and building damns on the River Otter and its tribs in East Devon – DWT and others monitoring what happens…… The horrid ground weaver spider – possibly the rarest spider in the world! Only found in three places globally – all near Plymouth……Buglife project Horrid Ground weaver spider – possibly one of the rarest spiders in the wo

Loads of opportunity to take action Help control invasive species – Tom Whitlock later Take action for pollinators – stop regular mowing – green mown grass isn’t good for wildlife Surveys - Devon Mammals Group harvest mouse surveys …….learn to id species – join one of the many Devon recording groups (see LNP website) Practical conservation work – clear scrub where it is a problem for rare species / let scrub grow for dormice – need a mosaic of habitats. Enthuse others – Audrey and John on their farm – amazing flower rich meadows – lots of talks and walks Involve children and schools. Just help people to get outside and connect with nature……Kirstie - NH

So – if we want Devon to stay special let’s make Devon a leader in community action for wildlife……..