Blakeney National Nature Reserve yields beetle discoveries

February 19, 2010

People heading to Blakeney National Nature Reserve as part of their stay in a Norfolk holiday cottage might want to keep their eyes peeled for insects, as species of beetle new to the area have recently been discovered.

The pair – known as the red data book rove beetle and the fungus beetle – were discovered by experts, who catalogued 187 different varieties while scouring the landscape, the BBC reports.

Nature conservation advisor for the National Trust Stuart Warrington praised the work done by the team.

"Without them we just would not know how important Blakeney Point is for insects and other invertebrates," he was quoted as saying.

The research at Blakeney Point – which is traditionally known as a gathering point for seals – was conducted during September 2009 and also resulted in 41 lichen species, 24 spider types and five ant varieties being identified.

Blakeney point is located between Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea and, according to the National Trust, is "one of the largest expanses of unspoilt coastline in Europe".

Posted by Matt SmithADNFCR-2558-ID-19619673-ADNFCR


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