Project Overview
Panshanger Park in Hertfordshire has been identified as one of the most important habitats for a group of beetles in the UK that require decaying wood habitats.
Panshanger Park, managed by Tarmac since the 1980’s, is a 1,000-acre park known for its diverse wildlife and rich history. The park’s management sought to actively contribute to local biodiversity conservation efforts and identified an opportunity to study the habitat for rare beetle species.
The Challenge
Tarmac and Natural England commissioned EMEC Ecology to carry out the independent survey of Saproxylic Coleoptera – beetles which rely on dead or decaying wood – at its Panshanger Park site as part of efforts to further enhance the site’s potential for wildlife.
The survey was undertaken as part of the Parkland Management Plan, produced in partnership with Natural England, Historic England and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to identify how the historic grade II* listed landscape of the park could be further enhanced in the future for both nature and visitors.
Findings of the study showed that Panshanger Park held important assemblages of beetles reliant on the veteran and ancient Oaks that are found throughout the park. This included two species of beetle not recorded in the county before, both of which are rare beetles of ancient woodland with one species of Darkling Beetle being known from only four other locations in the British Isles.
The number of beetle species found that are reliant on the ancient and veteran trees during the study indicated that the park is of both national and international importance as a location for a range of rare and uncommon species.
EMEC’s role, carried our by lead Entomologist, Adrian Dutton involved conducting the survey across the whole park to ensure that Tarmac were made aware of the the valuable assets within their possession. Subsequently, detailed plans were developed to guide the management of the park to support and protect these unique beetles.
Solution
In-Depth Ecological Assessment: EMEC Ecology conducted an extensive ecological assessment of the park to identify the specific habitat requirements of the rare beetle species.
Outcome
The survey will help Tarmac and Natural England form its management plans for future years, which will involve carefully managing its veteran trees to ensure these beetles will continue to have a home at Panshanger Park for centuries to come.
The project yielded remarkable results:
- Positive Community Engagement: The project received enthusiastic support from the local community, with residents actively participating in conservation activities and learning about the park’s unique biodiversity.
- Increased Biodiversity: The project’s impact will extend beyond beetles, benefiting other wildlife species. The diverse habitat that will be created will support a broader range of insects, birds, and mammals.
As one of the most important places for wildlife in Hertfordshire, Tarmac continues its work to enhance the park’s wildlife potential for the benefit of both nature and visitors and has already planted 17,000 trees. Future works include the planting of new trees to expand the area of wood pasture, alongside developing a more structurally diverse woodland population and a richer mosaic of habitats.
Testimonial
“As stewards of this site, we have taken on a huge responsibility to care for this ancient woodland which is home to so many rare species and one of the most important places for wildlife in Hertfordshire. This survey carried out by EMEC is helping us to form our management plans for future years, which will involve carefully managing our veteran trees to ensure these beetles will continue to have a home at Panshanger Park for centuries to come.”
Michael Charlton, Mineral Estates Manager, Tarmac
