Scarce Yellow Sally

What will the project do?

The Scarce Yellow Sally has a key, but mostly hidden, role in the life of the River Dee community, which includes other invertebrates, fish, birds and anglers, in Wrexham County Borough.  ‘Sally’ is both predator, of other larval species, and predated on by all the rest, including several larger river invertebrates found in the area.  As this species is rarely seen and is difficult to research, there are many aspects of its life that we still do not know much about.  This project will carry out surveys in the river and along the banks to establish the present population and assess methods for ongoing recording of this species in the future. Importantly, we hope to record observations that will tell us more about this critically endangered species so that beneficial conservation measures can be put in place to aid its recovery.

There are two strands to this project. The first involves the help of Chester Zoo and John Davy Bowker to carry out conservation breeding trials and study the DNA in the water column of the River Dee to help us find new populations. In addition, we will be using historical data alongside the data we collect on the water quality and the bankside to assess potential sites where the Scarce Yellow Sally may be able to return to or may have survived unnoticed. Targeted studies of adults and larvae during the project will add to our knowledge and ability to achieve this outcome.

The second strand is to invite people to engage with the project. Local communities will be the primary focus, but we hope to engage national communities as well, including those who may not be engaged with nature in their daily lives.  We will welcome volunteers and offer training to help us record and better understand the Scarce Yellow Sally whilst also as running river side events and visiting schools and colleges. These events will focus on exploring environments through the ‘Art of Noticing’ and using ecology, geology, history, poetry and art to establish connections with nature that will inspire and benefit our wellbeing.

How can you get involved?

Communities and individuals can get involved in Buglife Cymru’s Scarce Yellow Sally project through a series of opportunities, including events, volunteering, species recording, and other citizen science focused sessions.

To find out more about getting involved in the Scarce Yellow Sally project, please check our Events page or contact Sarah Hawkes (Project Officer) at [email protected].