Rutland Water: 22 New Species Discovered in 50-Hour Wildlife Marathon

Rutland Water Nature Reserve has seen an impressive surge in its biodiversity, with 22 additional species identified during a recent 50-hour wildlife recording event. This intensive survey, conducted by staff and volunteers from midday June 26 to 2 PM BST June 28, aimed to document the reserve's rich ecosystem.

Key discoveries included a giant willow sawfly, a dimpled marsh beetle, and five moth species previously unrecorded since the reserve's opening in 1976. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) reported a total of 937 species recorded during the marathon, contributing to an overall count of 4,836 species over the reserve's 50-year history.

This biodiversity increase is attributed to the reserve's habitat becoming wilder and more diverse. Tim Sexton, senior species and recording officer, highlighted the event as a "massive win" for conservation, noting an outstanding 212 moth species recorded in a single night, a record for their 30 years of moth trapping.

The dimpled marsh beetle, a nationally scarce species capable of underwater hunting for extended periods, was a particular favorite find. The reserve, established in 1976 as a reservoir, has evolved into a vital haven for wildlife, internationally recognized for its waterfowl and now celebrated for its smaller inhabitants.

Experts emphasize the importance of such open spaces for species to thrive, especially as natural landscapes face fragmentation from urban expansion. The ongoing warming climate also influences species distribution, with new discoveries consistently being made at Rutland Water.