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Beauties & Beasts Galore at College Bioblitz!
An array of flora and fauna was discovered at Duchy College Rosewarne recently as the countryside department carried out its annual summer Bioblitz (a 24 hour wildlife survey).
The aim of the Bioblitz was to collect and record as many British wildlife species as possible and a diverse team of environmentalists including college staff, students, Cornwall Wildlife Trust staff and specialist wildlife recorders tackled the survey.
Nick Taylor, Conservation Programme Manager explained: “This was our third Bioblitz and it’s always great to get out into the grounds here at Rosewarne and see what wildlife is around. The rather rainy weather has put off some of our wildlife but we still managed to see some exciting firsts. We were very pleased to find a basking Common Lizard, which had never been seen before at the College. Our Botany Lecturer and bramble expert Keith Spurgin did our first detailed survey of brambles on the site and what has previously been passed off as all one species turns out to be ten different brambles here at Rosewarne. Former student and Botanist Derek Green managed to find nearly 200 plant species and local bug expert Sally Luker picked out some very unusual aphids and other tiny creepy-crawlies!
“The evening was rather cold and damp but we still saw two bat species and around twenty different types of moth. All in all a thoroughly interesting day for everyone involved. All the sightings will be passed on to the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and so will help to build up a picture of the wonderful variety of wildlife we have in the County.”
Foundation Degree student Richard Davies, from Par, added: “It’s been a great day, this is the second Bioblitz I’ve been part of and I really enjoy them. I like having the opportunity to get out in to the field and learn new things. The course is really good at that, there are always chances to get outside and apply your skills.”
Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, said: “This is an exciting event and the students get so much out of this type of experience; it’s a real opportunity to practise their skills and enhance their knowledge.”
All undergraduate courses at Duchy College are awarded by Plymouth University.
For further details about the conservation courses available at Duchy College Rosewarne please call 0845 605 0455 or visit www.duchy.ac.uk.
