Saving the small things that run the planet
“Life on the Edge” is an exciting new Buglife partnership project that aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury, including the last known colony of the Six-banded Nomad Bee (Nomada sexfasciata).
Currently in the Development Phase, public consultation, species & habitat surveys are the main focus. This will provide the stepping stones required to evidence the need for the project and to secure funding for the next step, the Delivery Phase, which it is hoped will start in April 2024.
Update December 2022: We are thrilled to announce that new populations of one of the UK’s most-threatened bumblebees the Brown-banded Carder Bee (Bombus humilis), have been rediscovered at Prawle Point on the South Devon coast as a part of the Life on the Edge project Find out more
Quick Facts:
Life on the Edge is a partnership project which will see Buglife working alongside South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (project lead), National Trust, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and the South West Coast Path Association for the benefit of a range of species along the South Devon coast.
The project area covers a 75km stretch of coastline between Berry Head and Wembury and aims to save species; giving them a safer long-term future by expanding and reconnecting the traditional coastal landscapes on which they depend. Restoring wildflower-rich cliff tops and highway verges, carefully managing scrub mosaics, strategic hedgerow connections, and more wildlife-friendly parks, churchyards, school grounds and private gardens.
The connected network of B-Lines will enable species to move freely through our countryside, expand their populations and recolonise areas from where they have been lost.
The result will be a coastline, and its connected hinterland, that is buzzing with wildlife, packed with wildflowers and a treat for the eye for residents and visitors alike.
We’re excited to be working with South Devon AONB and other project partners to support Devon communities, from landowners and farmers to parish councils and school children, providing opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a real difference for the extraordinary and highly vulnerable species that call Devon home.
The 30 threatened invertebrate species Life on the Edge will support are: Hemlock Water-dropwort Bee (Andrena ampla), Hawksbeard Mining Bee (Andrena fulvago), Carrot Mining Bee (Andrena nitidiuscula), Black Mining Bee (Andrena pillipes), Hornet Robberfly (Asilus crabroniformis), Six-belted Clearwing (Bembecia ichneumoniformis), Brown-banded Carder Bee (Bombus humilis), Dotted Bee-fly (Bombylius discolor), Moon spider (Callilepis nocturna), Zipperback Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum elegans), Goldilocks Aster Moth (Coleophora linosyridella), Ridge-saddled Spider Wasp (Cryptocheilus notatus), a cranefly (Diacranomyia goritiensis), Long-horned Bee (Eucera longicornis), a mason wasp (Euodynerus quadrifasciatus), Grayling (Hipparchia Semele), Orange-footed Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum xanthopus), Silvery Leafcutter Bee (Megachile leachella), Short-necked Oil Beetle (Meloe brevicollis), Mediterranean Oil Beetle (Meloe mediterraneus), Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), Devon Red-legged Robberfly (Neomochtherus pallipes),
Six-banded Nomad Bee (Nomada sexfasciata), Grey Bush Cricket (Platycleis albopunctata), Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus), Red-tailed Blood Bee (Sphecodes rubicundus), Banded Dark Bee (Stelis punctulatissima), Thrift Clearwing (Synansphecia muscaeformis), Great Green Bush Cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) and Glow Worm (Lampyris noctiluca).
The project will have a strong focus on the survival of these flagship species and the expansion of the habitats on which they depend.
Communities can get involved through a series of opportunities. Join us for:
Information, advice and support is also available to landowners who would like to know more about the project, how they can be involved and how to improve their land for pollinators.
Add your project to our B-Lines map!
For more information on how to get involved in our “Life on the Edge” project please get in touch via [email protected]
An introduction to Life on the Edge
“Life on the Edge” is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Devon Environment Foundation & Milkywire
From £3 per month, membership directly supports our vital conservation work. In return you receive member benefits and our bi-annual Buzz magazine.
MembershipOur work would not be possible without your support. Bees and other invertebrates need help to reverse the catastrophic declines in their numbers. Please donate today and together we can restore vital habitats and rebuild strong populations of invertebrates in the UK.
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