3rd June 2024
Discover the Flourishing Biodiversity at Broughton Sanctuary
General
9 Minute Read
Since we began the practical application of our nature recovery journey at Broughton Sanctuary in 2020 nature’s wonders have been making an inspiring comeback. Observing and monitoring nature’s wonders unfold since 2022, documenting the revealing of this incredible diversity and resilience is our dedicated volunteer nature ecologist, Dr David Cockburn.
As an emerging hub for conservation and ecological interest, we are thrilled to share some of the incredible milestones and highlights of our local ecosystem. David’s steady stream of findings are a testament to our commitment to protecting and revitalising wildlife.
1000 Milestones in Biodiversity
Our efforts have paid off with significant milestones in biodiversity recording. As of November 30, 2023, we have recorded over 1000 species at Broughton. The Alder Bracket fungus, found on a fallen Alder tree over Banner Hill Beck, marked this impressive achievement. The snowy scene of its discovery, captured in a beautiful photo, symbolizes the harmony between nature and the sanctuary.
2024: A Year of Wonders
In early 2024, we celebrated two centenaries: the discovery of 100 bryophyte species (mosses and liverworts) and 100 bird species.
Bryophyte Bonanza
March 5th, 2024, marked the milestone of cataloging our 100th bryophyte species, the Papillose Bog-moss (Sphagnum papillosum). Bryophytes, including mosses and liverworts, play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and their diversity at Broughton is an important indicator of our habitat restoration efforts.
Avian Abundance
Our birdwatchers were elated on March 27th, 2024, when the elegant Mandarin Duck was recorded as our 100th bird species. This colourful addition underscores the success of our habitat management strategies, attracting a variety of birdlife to Broughton Sanctuary.
Round-leaved Crowfoot and Hare’s-tail Cottongrass
March 18th brought sightings of two charming plants: Round-leaved Crowfoot, a water plant from the buttercup family, and Hare’s-tail Cottongrass, a hallmark of wet moorlands, adding diversity and ecological value to our wetland habitats. Later in year cottongrasses develop familiar white cotton-like seed heads; the plants are also the larval food plant of Large Heath butterfly (not yet found at Broughton).
Floral Finds
Hairy Violet (Viola hirta) This unusual violet species was first spotted in 2023 on the disused railway line but confirmed only this year when its reappearance was authenticated with the help of national experts.This plant adds a touch of delicate beauty to our botanical records.
Barren Strawberry (Potentilla sterilis)
Intensive agricultural methods marginalise or exclude native flora from the landscape, but our nature recovery programme is enabling them to return and enrich habitats with complex ecosystems. After an elusive search in 2023, we triumphantly located the Barren Strawberry in four different spots this year. Unlike its more familiar relative, Wild Strawberry, this species has no juicy red fruit – hence the name barren. This delightful plant can also be distinguished from Wild Strawberry in detail of flower or leaf, in this case our ecologist was delighted to have found it before it came into flower – from leaf appearance!
Moss Marvels
Pale Glaucous Thread-moss (Pohlia wahlenbergii) Found in marshy gravel, this moss with its reddish stems and blue-green leaves adds a splash of colour to our bryophyte collection. Mosses are vital for water retention, carbon storage and soil stability. Examination with a lens often reveals how mini-forests of moss are a jungle in their own right, full of mini-beats – such as springtails, mites, beetles and nematodes.
Common Aloe-moss (Aloina aloides) and Redshank Moss (Ceratodon purpureus)
Old quarries are often a place to find ususual species, with their own microclimate, absence of pesticides and fertilisers, atypical minerals and moist environment. It was in one of Broughton’s disused quarries that Common Aloe-moss was found earlier this year. This moss resembles a miniature aloe vera plant. Another noteworthy discovery this year was a unique form of Redshank Moss on a dry stone wall. This is actually one of the commonest moss species in the UK, but this unusual form of the species is marked by its rare reproductive structures. This find is so significant that it will be reported in a bryophyte publication.
Invertebrate Insights
Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola)
Spotted in our moorland, this scarce bumblebee species, adapted to cooler climates, highlights the importance of our conservation work in supporting specialised wildlife.
Hedgehog Slug (Arion intermedius)
While often overlooked, this small mollusc, with its distinctive spikey appearance, reminds us of the rich diversity of invertebrates thriving at Broughton.
Fungal Fascinations
Octospora coccinea agg.
Our first record of a bryophilous fungus, parasitic on moss, adds a new dimension to our fungal records. This tiny yet intriguing species exemplifies the complex interdependencies in our ecosystem.
Celebrating Nature’s Triumphs
These highlights from our Nature Recovery Programme are just a glimpse into the vibrant life thriving at Broughton Sanctuary. Each discovery is a victory for conservation, a step towards a richer, more diverse natural world.
Visit Broughton Sanctuary
We invite you to explore Broughton Sanctuary and witness the flourishing biodiversity firsthand. When staying on the sanctuary you can participate in our wildlife and nature recovery activities. Together, we can celebrate and protect the incredible biodiversity that calls Broughton home.
The Flourishing Biodiversity at Broughton Sanctuary – Photographs by David Cockburn
