…a guest blog from Heidi Smith, Le Moulin de Pensol. In 2018, Nik and Heidi Smith began a new adventure. Moving from Norfolk, to in the Limousin, France, they began their re-wilding journey, wanting to make their new home a haven for all wildlife. They’ve learnt a lot along the way and are keen to share their knowledge and passion for both nature and Citizen Science.
Last month saw a significant milestone in our journey here at Le Moulin de Pensol. We recorded our one thousandth species on iNaturalist.
It wasn’t something glamorous like a Genet, Red Squirrel or Fire Salamander, but was, of course, an invertebrate. An unassuming little moth called a Mullein Wave (Scopula marginepunctata).
When we talk about a site being high quality for biodiversity, what we really mean is rich in insects, and the vast majority of our records, at Le Moulin de Pensol, have been of invertebrate species. The genius of iNaturalist is that it has enabled keen generalists, like ourselves, to access the wealth of specialist experience that exists for the more difficult groups.
iNaturalist is an example of citizen science. Where members of the public can become involved in recording the natural world and submit their findings to a central database. This way, the fortunes of various species can be monitored and the movement of species associated with climate change can be tracked.
It works as an app on your phone. You take a photo of a species and upload it to the app. The photo is then peer reviewed, by experts in that group and they may suggest which species you have photographed, validate your own suggestion if you’ve said, “I think this is a Mullein Wave”, or suggest an alternative species identification.
It is estimated that 90% of all species of animals on the planet are insects and that they make up more than half of all living things. That’s certainly been our experience here and it was no surprise to us that our one thousandth recorded species was an insect.
It was a real turning point for us at Le Moulin de Pensol, when we started getting the management of our land right for insects. Because, as they lie at the base of the food chain, just above plants, what is good for insects is good for all other species. Crucial changes that we have made include:
- excluding grazing animals from areas of grassland to allow butterflies and other invertebrates to overwinter in tussocky grass;
- creating ponds which act as “chimneys” pumping out insects into the surrounding landscape;
- embracing No Mow May type techniques and just mowing paths around our garden and grounds, providing a variety of different vegetation lengths.
While guests are always delighted to encounter one of our 68 species of butterflies, or the Red Squirrels, it’s fair to say that not all creatures are universally loved. But, through our work we hope to raise awareness of and change attitudes towards species which are often perceived in a negative way. They are all important and vital to the web of life, and the function of ecosystems.
Interestingly, although we’ve noticed increases in some species, like our butterflies, beetles and birds, we’ve not noticed a corresponding increase in some other species, such as mosquitoes, wasps and hornets and we put this down to the whole “system” being in balance. More insects, means more insect eating birds and reptiles, which in turn means more bird and reptile eating species, like the Genet.
Personally, I think its charming and entirely appropriate that our one thousandth species should be the humble Mullein Wave. Invertebrates are the backbone (ironically) of the biodiversity of Le Moulin. Here’s to the next thousand species.
About the Author
Nestled in the valley of the River Bandiat, in the Limosin region of France, Le Moulin de Pensol is a converted water mill and barn. Comprising of coppiced woodland, meadows and orchards, bisected by the River Bandiat and boasting two caves which home seven species of bat, the eight hectares of land is a rewilding project lovingly worked by Nik and Heidi Smith. Find out more about Nik and Heidi’s journey through their blogs.
Main Image Credit: Mullein Wave (Scopula marginepunctata) © Olaf Leillinger (CC-BY-SA-2.5, Wikimedia)
