Minsmere RSPB Reserve - Ecology

Ecology

The Minsmere reserve includes 1.79 square kilometres (0.69 sq mi) of reed bed habitat, representing 3.6% of the UK's reed beds, as well as areas of open water, lowland heath, grassland, scrub, woodland, dune and shingle vegetation. The reserve is an important breeding, roosting and feeding site for many bird species with over 100 resident species and around a further 240 species of migratory visitors being recorded at the site.

Up to 30% of the UK's breeding population of Great Bittern are to be found at Minsmere. It is also of particular conservation importance for its populations of Western Marsh Harrier, Pied Avocet, Savi's Warbler, Bearded Reedling and Reed Bunting.

Heathland areas are particularly important for populations of Dartford Warbler and antlion and woodland areas are important for Nightingale populations. Other species found at Minsmere include adders, otter, water vole and one of the largest herds of Red deer in England.

Over 1000 species of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) have been recorded at Minsmere. The 32 recorded butterfly species include the Silver-studded Blue, the Camberwell Beauty and the Queen of Spain Fritillary. In September 2004 the moth species Catocala conjuncta, which was previously unrecorded in Britain was found on the reserve. To acknowledge its place of capture it was given the common name Minsmere Crimson Underwing.