Invertebrate Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) at SSSIs across England

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Working closely with Keith Alexander (terrestrial invertebrate ecologist) a series of surveys were undertaken to assess the invertebrate assemblages and designated interests at several SSSIs across England. Sampling procedures followed the guidelines in ‘NERR005: Surveying terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates for conservation evaluation’ and the Invertebrate Species-habitat Information System (ISIS) protocols therein. ISIS is the forerunner to the Pantheon system, recently developed and now employed by NE.

Surveys identified the invertebrate assemblages present, and the data was then analysed using ISIS to determine if the SSSIs were in ‘favourable’ condition. At some sites specific species or assemblages were also targeted. SSSIs at which surveys were required included: Dimmings Dale, and The Ranger in Staffordshire, noted for the presence of certain uncommon species of caddis larvae in the former and for small pools in acidic mire in the latter; Saddington Reservoir in Leicestershire, notable for its rich ground beetle fauna along the drawdown margins of the reservoir and the uncommon aquatic beetle Helophorus nanus; Lockington Marshes, also in Leicestershire, noted for its assemblages of aquatic invertebrates across several ponds and ditches; and Pixton Park, on the edge of Exmoor, which contained several abandoned ornamental ponds and springs; and across Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, which in addition to its salt marsh assemblages also contains several fresh-to-brackish water ponds and ditches.

 An additional survey of ponds, boggy pools and runnels was also carried out on the West Penwith Moors in West Cornwall, prior to the site’s subsequent designation as a SSSI. The data from this survey was instrumental in the site’s designation and included the identification of two populations, one of which was previously unknown, of the rare mud snail (Omphiscola glabra).