Volunteers record major wildlife growth at Stoke Park Farm
Building a clear picture of wildlife across the site since 2024
Image courtesy of Steve Grundy
More than 30 volunteers have been carrying out regular wildlife surveys across the site since May 2024, generating a detailed picture of its ecological health and biodiversity.
Their work has already recorded:
- 29 species of butterflies recorded
- 1000 butterflies counted
- 95 bird species from 6,784 observations
- 312 species of moth
- 7 species of bat
- 115 plant species
Among the findings are several rare and nationally endangered species, including Marsh Tit, Skylark, Firecrest, Hobby and Barn Owl. Volunteers have also recorded Purple Hairstreak butterflies, Portland Ribbon Wave moths and multiple bat species, highlighting the importance of the area as a refuge for wildlife.
Alongside monitoring, volunteers have undertaken practical conservation work aimed at improving habitats in sensitive areas. This has included removing invasive Himalayan balsam and clearing redundant plastic tree guards, helping native plants and wildlife to recover and thrive.
Organisers emphasise that systematic monitoring is essential for effective conservation. By establishing a clear baseline of which species are present and in what numbers, surveyors can distinguish normal seasonal fluctuations from genuine population declines or recoveries. This evidence allows conservation efforts to be targeted where they will have the greatest benefit.
Regular surveys also act as an early warning system. Changes in butterfly numbers can indicate the loss of nectar-rich plants, while shifts in bat activity may point to disappearing feeding routes or roosting sites. Identifying these trends early enables land managers to intervene before damage becomes irreversible.
The data collected is already influencing how the landscape is managed. Species records are helping to guide decisions on habitat restoration, including where to focus plant recovery, how to balance scrub and grassland for insects, where hedgerows will best support birds, and where ponds and buffer zones should be created and areas prioritised for conservation.
Ongoing monitoring will also allow the success of these interventions to be assessed. Where measures such as seeding trials or pond restoration do not deliver the expected results, management approaches can be adapted, ensuring time and funding are used effectively.
Beyond the ecological benefits, the project is strengthening local involvement in conservation. Trained volunteers provide long-term continuity, on-the-ground expertise and a growing body of robust data. Together, their efforts are supporting funding applications, informing planning consultations and helping to build a strong case for the site's future conservation status.
View the latest volunteer report
Explore the Council's Biodiversity Strategy