Whole host of fascinating new species discovered at Whittlesey Nature Reserve

After an intense wildlife survey, a number of fascinating new species have been discovered. The survey took place at a popular Cambridgeshire nature reserve which is owned by leading products manufacturer Forterra, and found a variety of scientifically important new species on the site.

Kings Dyke Nature Reserve in Whittlesey, Peterborough, held an independent BioBlitz, during which the team recorded a variety of species over a two-day period. Those taking part saw at least 90 new species being recorded, including 68 general invertebrates, nine moths, nine higher plants, one moss and four micro fungi.

Read more: The medieval Cambridge estate opening its gardens for the first time ever

The survey counted 930 different wildlife species in total. This shows an increase on last year which saw 843 species, ranging from birds and moths, to moss and lichen.

Opened in 1999 on the site of a former brick quarry, the reserve is owned by Forterra, whose adjacent Kings Dyke brickworks is sole producer of the historic and locally significant London Brick. The reserve was established for the benefit of local schools and the surrounding community, and has been regularly extended over the last two decades.

Back in 2018, TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham led an independent survey of 50 wildlife sites and dubbed Kings Dyke Nature Reserve the UK’s most biodiverse wildlife area after 1,111 different species were recorded there. The total reserve list is now at 3,150 species.

Phil Parker, who runs Kings Dyke Nature Reserve on behalf of Forterra, said: “It’s great to see the continued interest shown for this survey with all our volunteers eager to help count and document the varied species that live in the reserve. It’s always fantastic to see that both Kings Dyke Nature Reserve and the region as a whole are thriving ecologically.

Read more: Peterborough’s The Apprentice winner launches brand new podcast

“It was another great success. Many thanks to all those who took part. This year’s result just goes to show how incredibly important it is to have these nature reserves where the wildlife can flourish, and we hope to repeat the BioBlitz with equally positive results for many years to come.”

Helen Newberry, Head of Communications at Forterra said: “It’s great to see how year after year, the BioBlitz continues to discover new species in the area. Forterra is proud to be a part of helping to maintain the nature reserve and provide an important home for the local wildlife.”

To find out more about the nature reserve, visit their website or, to find out about Forterra and their work, visit their website.