Natural England

A chance pit stop on the side of the A11 near Thetford lead to the discovery of the best site in Britain for a scarce ground beetle.

Mark Telfer, now an entomological consultant based in Bedfordshire, spent years commuting between the University of East Anglia and his London girlfriend whilst studying for his PhD. In 1997 his curiosity lead him to pull into a layby to take a closer look at stunning field margins at Croxton Hall Farm. Farmer Gerald Goucher has been managing the land for the benefit of plants, insects and birds for nearly twenty years.

Mark couldn’t believe his luck when he discovered what is acknowledged as the best site in the UK for the beetle Ophonus laticollis, now christened the “Setaside Downy-back”

The beetle needs three things to thrive: weedy plants that produce lots of seeds, light chalky soil and thick hedgerows or scrubby areas. Mr Goucher receives payment to leave the outer six metres of field uncropped but periodically cultivated, as part of the Natural England ‘Environmentally Sensitive Area’ (ESA) agreement, creating an ideal habitat for Ophonus laticollis and other invertebrates and rare plants.

Ophonus laticollis is a metallic green ground beetle, which is mainly seed eating and lives on arable land where mature hedges and scrub are present. Scientists are not sure what the link is, but beetles tend to congregate under the cover of the thick branches, safe from predators, and may find lots of seeds to sustain them over the winter.

The species is classified as ‘Nationally Scarce’ and the inappropriate management of mature hedgerows may be a factor in its decline.

The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme was introduced by Natural England in 1987 to offer incentives to encourage farmers to adopt agricultural practices, which would safeguard and enhance parts of the country of particularly high landscape, wildlife or historic value.

Now that the discovery has come to light Natural England is working closely with Mr Goucher to secure the future of this fantastic beetle colony in the Brecks.

Gerald Goucher said:
“I have been managing field margins for the benefit of wildlife for nearly twenty years. It is really pleasing to see that this work has produced such good results.”

Bill Nickson, Natural England Team Leader for Breckland who advises farmers on the agreements said:
“The land management at Croxton Hall provides exactly the right conditions for some of Breckland species that thrive on light sandy soils.

“It is particularly gratifying to find that under his management, Mr Goucher’s land provides the UK stronghold for such a rare beetle.”

Heidi Thompson, Ecology Manager Norfolk County Council, said:
"The discovery of a population of this rare beetle in Breckland highlights the importance of networks of hedges and field margins, in helping species to thrive cheek by jowl with intensive farming operations. Undoubtedly the ESA, and now Environmental Stewardship has helped this species to survive in this part of Norfolk."

Notes to editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We increase opportunities to make the natural environment an enriching part of people's everyday lives, and improve its long term security by contributing to the sustainable management of our natural resources.

2. For further details about the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/default.htm

3. Photography provided by John Walters at http://www.johnwalters.co.uk/

4. For further information please contact the Natural England East of England press office: Linzee Kottman on 07824475359 linzee.j.kottman@naturalengland.org.uk Heather McMorland on 07919 228 388, heather.mcmorland@naturalengland.org.uk Out of hours 07970 098005. www.naturalengland.org.uk

Issued on behalf of Natural England by GNN East.