SP 2 - Woodland assemblage

Code

SP 2

Priority species or species assemblage

Woodland assemblage

Description

This includes seven moth species: Little Thorn, Fletcher’s Pug, Beautiful Snout, Drab Looper, Scarce Prominent, Gold-base Tubic and Bilberry Pug, one true fly: Chrysosomopsis aurata, one lichen: Witches’ Whiskers and one beetle: Jumping Weevil. These species require specialist woodland measures to restore their populations.

Wider environmental benefits

Reducing climate change impact

Assemblage measure 1

Increase the availability of foodplants

Assemblage measure 1 description

The following foodplants should be integrated into woodland habitats through planting or natural regeneration to support these species: • Bilberry for Little Thorn and Beautiful Snout moths; • Small Leaved Lime for Fletcher’s Pug moth; • Wood Spurge along woodland rides for Drab Looper moth; and • Birch for Scarce Prominent moth.

Assemblage measure 2

Increase the number of dead wood piles in Dymock Forest

Assemblage measure 2 description

The Gold-base Tubic moth feeds on dead bark and requires an increase in the number of dead wood piles within Dymock Forest. The habitat measure PM 3: Enhance woodland diversity through retention of deadwood will also support this species.

Assemblage measure 3

Identify and reduce nitrogen pollution affecting woodlands

Assemblage measure 3 description

The Witches’ Whiskers lichen is negatively affected by nitrogen pollution in woodland habitats. The sources of this pollution should be identified, and measures implemented to reduce the pollutant levels and ensure the recovery of this species.

Assemblage measure 4

Retain and increase Alders within woodlands

Assemblage measure 4 description

Alder is a tree species commonly found in water-logged locations such as wet and riparian woodlands. Where this species is present, trees should be retained, and natural regeneration allowed to occur and establish. This may lead to colonisation of new woodland by the Jumping Weevil supporting the recovery of its population.

Assemblage measure 5

Sustainably manage Traveller’s Joy to support Chrysosomopsis aurata

Assemblage measure 5 description

Chrysosomopsis aurata is a true fly species which requires a moth called The Fern, which feeds on Traveller’s Joy, a climbing plant species with fluffy, white seed heads. Traveller’s Joy can form dense thickets, therefore sustainable management to increase it number is key to ensuring it supports The Fern moth and in turn the true fly, Chrysosomopsis aurata.