Going Wild during lockdown

What are the challenges and benefits Dorset’s wildlife has faced during the Covid-19 pandemic?

- Sally Welbourn

WE’RE MORE AWARE OF WILDLIFE

At the start of lockdown, the lack of traffic allowed us to enjoy the dawn and evening chorus of bird song at full volume. We also saw birds nesting in more unusual places, with door frames being a popular choice at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kingcombe Centre. Robins nested above the front door of our holiday let, Pound Cottage, and nuthatches near the back door of the visitor centre.

Moth traps on Brownsea Island continued to be monitored, producing exciting findings. A flame wainscot (a nationally scarce species) was seen on two occasions, much to the delight of the people still living and working on the island. Paths which were once territory for humans were boldly reclaimed by wildlife; on Brownsea red squirrels scampered along them with abandon, and song thrush chicks sat on a path at South Poorton Nature Reserve near Powerstock.

We also started to see the fruits of our labour from winter conservation work. New hedges erupted into verdant foliage after being laid last year at Kingcombe Meadows, providing habitat for birds and mammals. Wildflower meadows and verges came into bloom, setting pollinators a-buzzing across the county.

ENJOYING THE NATURAL HEALTH SERVICE

During lockdown wildlife has been a huge comfort to many of us who have been feeling anxious. Technology has allowed some of us to connect with the natural world via live webcam feeds - the barn owl nestcam at Lorton Meadows was the perfect way for people to feel connected to nature from the safety of their own home.