Spotted this week... Biodiversity on the farm

This week on the farm we’ve been treated to a real burst of wildlife. We’ve seen so many clouded yellow butterflies, along with a huge variety of other insects busy in the grass, hedgerows and field margins. The peregrine has been busy overhead — a reminder that healthy habitats support life at every level of the food chain.

One of the most exciting finds was a slow worm. Despite the name, slow worms are actually legless lizards, and they’re a great sign that the farm is providing the kind of shelter they need: undisturbed corners, long grass, warm banks, and plenty of invertebrates to feed on.

Why does this matter? Because these sightings are all indicators of biodiversity:

• Butterflies like the clouded yellow are closely tied to habitat quality and the availability of nectar and food plants.

• A wide range of insects suggests a thriving ecosystem — and insects are essential for pollination, soil health, and as food for birds and mammals.

• Peregrines sit at the top of the food web, so seeing them can indicate a strong, functioning chain beneath them.

• Slow worms need safe cover and a healthy invertebrate population, so their presence points to good ground-level habitat.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for what else appears as the season moves on — and we’re proud to see the farm supporting so much life.