Saving the small things that run the planetThe Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partnership project is working to improve the conservation fortunes of some of the Cairngorms National Park’s rarest invertebrate species.
The Cairngorms National Park is a unique and special place supporting a wide range of invertebrates. ‘Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms’ aims to improve the conservation fortunes of several very rare insect species in the Cairngorms National Park. The focus species are: Kentish glory (Endromis versicolor), Dark-bordered beauty (Epione vespertaria),Northern February red stonefly (Brachyptera putata), Northern damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum), Northern silver-stiletto fly (Spiriverpa lunulata), Pine hoverfly (Blera fallax), Small scabious mining bee (Andrenamarginata) and Shining guest ant (Formicoxenus nitidulus).
This project aims to increase our understanding of the distribution and habitat needs of each species through surveys and observations with the help of local volunteers. The project is working with landowners to promote the management of land that enables these species to thrive and spread.
The six species were selected due to their rarity and as they are under-recorded and poorly understood. The Cairngorms National Park is one of, if not their main, UK stronghold and each species is included in the park’s biodiversity action plan. Finally, each of these species is a flagship for the habitat in which they reside; for example, Small scabious mining bee in wildflower rich grasslands and bare ground habitat, Pine hoverfly in ancient Caledonian pinewoods and Northern silver stiletto fly in river shingle.
RIC has a team of dedicated volunteers who help to carry out the training. We encourage volunteers from all backgrounds and ages – all they need is a passion for nature and the outdoors. We provide all the training and equipment needed. If you would like to get involved, contact.
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The Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partnership project was part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER 2014-2020 programme between 2017-2019. During 2020-2021, the project is being funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms Connect (via the Endangered Landscapes Programme) and the Cairngorms Trust Green Recovery Fund and is led by five partners: Buglife, RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Northern February Red Stonefly
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