Ecological Surveys of Silverthorne Lane and the Feeder Canal
Rachael and Jonathan worked with ecologists Heather Rumble, Caroline Nash, and Fredric Windsor to conduct ecological surveys of the area with local participants. The ecological surveys provided the Artists with an in-depth view of the area’s ecology whilst fostering relationships with local community groups. The surveys have influenced the final designs for the commission in that they shed light on the public’s awareness to the area’s ecology as well as offer insightful information about the area from a range of perspectives.
Mini Bioblitz
A BioBlitz usually comprises a group of scientists, students, naturalists and other members of the public working together - this mixture of wildlife experts and the wider public is key to the BioBlitz concept. It is an informal and fun way to create a snapshot of the variety of life that can be found in an area. It provides an opportunity for participants to learn together and share their expertise and enthusiasm for nature. This is a great way of breaking down barriers to engagement with science and raising awareness of the role of biological recording. It also gives the public an opportunity to contribute to a genuine scientific survey.
Our Bioblitz was lead by Ecologists Dr. Heather Rumble & Dr. Caroline Nash.
We explored three different habitats around Silverthorne Lane including the canal bank along the Feeder, the stone walls flanking Silverthorne Lane, and Plot 6.
Observed Species across three sites
Harvestman
One of the more interesting observations was this spider in the Silverthorne Lane walls. Either a Leibobunum rotundum or sp. A. Both are synanthropic species. "sp. A" is a newcomer to the British Isles and seems to be a brownfield specialist, possibly invasive.