main content Magnificent minibeasts and marvellous moths

Scientists will be conducting a 24-hour ‘watch’ to identify the wildlife of one of the borough’s most beautiful nature reserves. Natural History Museum scientists will be undertaking the survey at the Woodland Trust’s Blackbush Shaw. As part of the survey, a number of sessions are being held for those keen to see the team in action and the amazing invertebrates that inhabit the woods and chalk grassland of the site.

“This work will enable us to obtain a baseline of what exactly is present at the site. This way we can monitor the level of biodiversity of invertebrates over time. The scientists carrying out the work are leading experts in their field and we feel very privileged that they are keen to be involved in the study.” said Judith John, the Council’s World Heritage Site Projects Officer.

Various collecting techniques will be used to identify the invertebrates on the site. The survey will provide a snapshot in time before other identification work takes place. The site falls within the nominated World Heritage Site and forms part of the landscape that Charles Darwin sought inspiration from when formulating his Theory of Evolution.

Stuart Hine, an entomologist from Natural History Museum, commented, “We see the programme of events arranged by Bromley Council as a great opportunity for the Natural History Museum to engage with the UK public and encourage, by example, the further understanding of the environment.”

The events are being held on Friday 11th August. Sessions will run from 11am - 1pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm. There is also a moth-trapping event that will run from 8pm - 11pm. To access the site, visitors can either follow the waymarked route from Cudham Recreation Ground car park or book a place for a lift running from Cudham Recreation Ground. Attendees are reminded to wear footwear suitable for uneven ground and bring a torch if coming to the evening event. Booking is essential, please call 020 8313 4249.

These events are part of ‘Exploring in Darwin’s Footsteps Programme’, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information about Darwin’s life at Downe and the wildlife of the proposed World Heritage Site visit www.darwinswildlife.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• In 1999 the British Government listed Darwin’s former home at Down House and the surrounding countryside as a potential World Heritage Site. A proposal was submitted to UNESCO in January 2006. 
• The Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting a programme of events within the proposed World Heritage Site. The events are organised by the London Borough of Bromley with the support of the support of partners from the World Heritage Site bid including the Natural History Museum, English Heritage, English Nature, RSPB, London and Kent Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust.
• The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims: i) no further loss of ancient woodland; ii) restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; iii) increasing new native woodland; iv) increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland. Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free. Further information can be found at www.woodland-trust.org.uk.
• The Woodland Trust is currently running an appeal to buy a 22 acre site adjoining Blackbush Shaw. The Trust now only has 4 weeks in which to raise £250,000 to buy the plot of land, which will help buffer and safeguard Blackbush Shaw for generations to come. If £100,000 can be raised from local donations it is hoped that up to £150,000 more can be raised from grants and restricted donations. For more information, or to make a pledge on-line, visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk/appeals.
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or Judith John, World Heritage Site Projects Officer 020 8313 4249 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk