Nine new species were recorded in this summer’s ‘Big Count’ of wildlife in Somerset.

A total of more than 100 different species were identified across the county, with the most-recorded species being Bird’s-foot trefoil, Marbled white, Beautiful demoiselle, Azure damselfly, European goldfinch, European rabbit, Small tortoiseshell and the White-lipped snail.

More than 800 people of all ages signed up to Somerset’s biggest citizen science event of the year, with counting in June. They collected information about species living on their doorsteps during a ten-day period.

Participants were encouraged to look out for a specific set of species in gardens, local parks, and on their way to schools and workplaces.

Participants were asked to record species in their gardens, parks and record them to the app or on paper.
Participants were asked to record species in their gardens, parks and record them to the app or on paper. (John Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography)

A joint initiative between Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), the count has generated nearly 3,400 species records for Somerset since its launch in 2022, including nearly 500 new records in June’s count.

For the first time, participants also recorded nine new species, including the Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) and the Pointed Snail (Cochlicella acuta).

The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was also on the list of one of them most identified species in Somerset.
The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was also on the list of one of them most identified species in Somerset. (Fergus Gill/2020VISION)

Head of engagement at Somerset Wildlife Trust, Becky Fisher, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who got involved in this year’s Big Count.

“Time-sensitive projects like this help us build a picture of what’s happening for wildlife year on year. It’s a great way to take action for nature, and who knows what you might find!”

SERC Data Specialist, Ellen Phillpot, added: “Thank you to everyone who recorded sightings, especially during the heatwave.

“As ever, this year has brought in new records and species that have not been recorded during this event before, expanding our knowledge of the species present throughout Somerset, while also now showing trends of a few species that have been continually recorded over five years.”