25 SEPTEMBER 2006

Proof, if proof were needed, that new wetlands attract all kinds of wildlife has come in the shape of an exotic looking moth at the RSPB’s new Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk.

The nationally scarce Marsh Carpet moth is dependent on the plant common meadow-rue. The caterpillars feed on the plants’ seeds as they develop. Common meadow-rue is one of about 100 wetland plants that just appeared at Lakenheath Fen as the area was turned from carrot fields to a wetland nature reserve over the last 10 years. Almost all of these plants, the RSPB believes, survived as seeds in the damp, peat-soil for many years and were able to germinate only when new excavations, plus water, provided suitable conditions.

Marsh Carpet Moth by Jeff Blincow	Marsh Carpet Larva by Lee Gregory, Lakenheath Fen 24.7.04

Seventy of the well-camouflaged Marsh Carpet moth larvae (caterpillars) were found in searches of clumps of common meadow-rue during late July and early August. Similar numbers were found in both 2004 and 2005, so reserves staff are confident that the moth is now well-established on the reserve.

Other wetland wildlife continues to flourish at Lakenheath Fen. The reserve had its first ‘booming’ bittern this spring. It‘s believed that this rare reedbed specialist did not nest in 2006, but the RSPB is cautiously optimistic that they will soon. Seven pairs of marsh harriers nested in 2006. The rare fen ragwort, introduced to Lakenheath Fen, is thriving. Water voles and otters are present in the new reedbeds.

Bearded tits increased to about 20 pairs this year. When they were found in 2004, they were then the first bearded tits to nest in the Suffolk Fens since 1900. Although bearded tits are generally perceived as birds of big reedbeds, here they breed in fringes of reed just three metres wide.

For further information please contact
Norman Sills, Site Manager, Lakenheath Fen 01842 828662
Chris Durdin, public affairs 01603 660066