A Week at the Knepp Rewilding Project: Field Course with Operation Wallacea

Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, the Knepp Rewilding Project offered a unique and enriching environment for our week-long field course camp with Operation Wallacea. This remarkable experience combined scientific rigour with hands-on learning, allowing us to immerse ourselves in various ecological surveys and conservation techniques.

Birds: Mist netting, ringing, and recording

The week began with an early morning mist netting session. We set up fine nets to capture birds, providing an opportunity to closely observe and handle various species. Under the guidance of experienced ornithologists and ringers, we learned how to safely extract birds from the nets, ring them for identification, and record vital data. This practice is crucial for tracking bird populations and migration patterns.

The highlights of our mist netting included sparrowhawk, jay, great spotted woodpecker, bullfinch, garden warbler, lesser whitethroat and a chiffchaff (one of many) previously ringed in Spain. Remarkably, we also caught another chiffchaff that had been ringed at Knepp four years earlier, suggesting it had crossed the Mediterranean at least four times — an incredible feat for such a tiny bird.

Next, we conducted a British Breeding Birds transect survey. This involved walking a fixed route and noting all bird species seen or heard, helping to assess the breeding status and abundance of birds in the area. We also practised point count techniques, where we recorded all bird activity within a set radius from specific locations. This method complements transect surveys and provides a fuller picture of the avian fauna in the surveyed habitat.

Photo by Fran Anderson

Habitats: Grassland surveys and categorisation of successional scrub and woodland habitats

We then shifted our focus to habitat surveys, starting with grasslands. Using the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey methodology, we assessed ten quadrats along a 100m transect. This approach involved identifying plant species, estimating their cover, and evaluating the habitat’s condition and biodiversity value. By understanding the composition and health of grasslands, we could better appreciate their role in supporting wildlife and carbon storage.

Our grassland survey revealed a wide variety of species prevalent in the area, including bird’s-foot trefoil, scarlet pimpernel, smooth tare, thyme-leaved speedwell, red bartsia, self-heal, red and white clover, ragwort, mouse-eared chickweed, and marsh stitchwort amongst a predominance of yorkshire fog, creeping bent, soft brome, and flea bane. Observing these species helped us understand the biodiversity within the grassland ecosystem.

Photo by Ian Thornhill

After completing the transect grassland survey, we also spent time assessing successional scrub and woodland habitats using the DEFRA UK Habitats Primary Hierarchy and condition scoring methodology. Observing these successional habitats allowed us to understand the natural progression of ecosystems and the diversity of species they support.

In addition to traditional surveys, we used the Standard Biodiversity Metric (SBM) to assess the overall biodiversity value of different habitats. SBM provides a standardised approach to quantifying biodiversity, considering factors such as habitat quality, species richness, and ecosystem services. This metric helped us compare and prioritise conservation actions across different areas of the Knepp Estate, ensuring that management decisions are based on comprehensive ecological data.

Reptiles: Refugia surveys

For reptile surveys, we inspected refugia, artificial shelters that reptiles are likely to use for cover. By placing these in suitable habitats and checking them regularly, surveyors are able to monitor the presence of reptiles such as grass snakes and slow worms. This non-invasive method is effective for tracking reptile populations and understanding their habitat preferences.

Notably, four of Britain’s six native reptiles can be found on the estate, highlighting the biodiversity supported by the rewilding efforts at Knepp.

Photo by Jake Turton

During our reptile survey, we disturbed a magnificent red deer hart, resplendent in full velvet, grazing in the scrub. The higher nutritional value and shelter provided by the scrub, combined with the lower stocking density at Knepp means that red deer stags here grow to twice the size of those in the Scottish Highlands. Being held in the gaze of a stag the size of a horse was absolutely mesmerising.

Carbon storage evaluation and groundbreaking research

An essential aspect of conservation is understanding carbon storage within ecosystems. We evaluated carbon storage using guidance from the Field Studies Council, which provided methodologies for measuring biomass, soil organic matter, and other factors influencing carbon sequestration. This evaluation helped us assess how different habitats at Knepp contribute to mitigating climate change, highlighting their importance in global carbon cycles.

During our studies, we learned about groundbreaking research being conducted on the estate into the increase in root biomass, and therefore carbon sequestration, of browsed scrubland plants in silvopasture systems. This ongoing research exemplifies Knepp’s innovative approach to enhancing ecosystem services through rewilding practices.

Large mammals: Distance surveys and camera trapping

We monitored large mammals at Knepp using distance surveys and camera trapping methods. Distance surveys involved walking transects and recording sightings of large mammals, noting their distance from the observer and angle from the transect. This data helped us to estimate population density and distribution.

Camera traps, strategically placed around the estate, provided continuous monitoring opportunities, allowing us to capture images and video of elusive species such as badgers and foxes as well as the behaviour of less wary species in the absence of human observers. Analysing this footage gave us insights into animal behaviour and population dynamics.

We also used other methods to determine the presence of large mammals, including examining fecal deposits (scats, spraints, and droppings), footprints, fur deposits, and signs of damage to plants and tree bark. These indirect signs offered valuable information on mammal activity and habitat use. Examination of fecal deposits also provided insight into their diet, furthering our understanding of the ecological roles these animals play.

Photo by Harry Roberts

Moth Trapping

Night-time brought the excitement of moth trapping. We set up a light trap to attract and capture moths, which we then identified and recorded during an early start the following morning. Moth trapping is an excellent way to study nocturnal biodiversity and understand the health of the ecosystem, as moths are important pollinators and a food source for other wildlife.

Invertebrates: Study of insects, in-particular, flies of the order, Diptera

Our study of invertebrates encompassed a brief review of the Arthropoda phylum, focusing on the Insect class within the Hexapoda sub-phylum.

After our classroom review, we conducted surveys to identify and document the variety of insects present, using techniques such as malaise trapping and hand-netting.

This allowed us to collect specimens for detailed identification and study, enhancing our understanding of their ecological roles within the Knepp ecosystem. The review culminated with a specific focus on Diptera, where we identified and documented various species of true flies.

After the netting sessions, we pinned and mounted our insect specimens for addition to the growing research collection from the estate. This hands-on activity not only reinforced our understanding of insect biodiversity but also contributed valuable data for ongoing ecological research at Knepp and also helped us to develop the dexterity required for this intricate and precise work.

Finally, during this session, we observed the recently discovered fluorescence under UV light of purple emperor pupa cases, noting that, although somewhat dimmed, such cases retain significant UV fluorescence well beyond two years after being vacated and opening up huge opportunities for tracking, monitoring and recording of purple emperor breeding success and range expansion in the future.

Bat walk: Using bat meters to identify species

One of the evening highlights was a bat walk using bat meters to identify the species present. We were treated to an incredible show by Daubenton’s bats over Hammer Pond, their acrobatic flight and hunting techniques providing a memorable spectacle.

The bat meters allowed us to detect and identify various other bat species, including Comon and Soprano Pipistrelles, by their unique echolocation calls, adding another layer of understanding to the nocturnal wildlife at Knepp.

Guided walk: Landscape restoration, beavers, white storks, and purple emperors

We were also treated to a guided walk of the estate by one of the official guides. During our half-day walk, we learned about the landscape restoration benefits of low-density grazing. English longhorn cattle, exmoor ponies, tamworth pigs, and red and fallow deer serve as proxies for wild herbivores, each playing a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the habitat. These animals help to create a mosaic of different vegetation types, promoting biodiversity and supporting a wide range of species.

Also during our guided walk, we saw the dramatic effect of wetland creation via the activities of another of the estate’s ecosystem engineers, their resident beavers. Their dam-building activities have transformed parts of the estate, creating new wetland habitats that support a rich variety of wildlife.

We also observed the growing population of white storks, now breeding again in England after an absence of over 400 years, thanks to the pioneering reintroduction programme on the estate.

Finally, on the guided walk, we were lucky enough to witness a purple emperor tumbledown — a dramatic encounter where a female rejects a male’s high-altitude advances and crash-lands, with him in pursuit, to shake him off. It was quite a spectacle to see Britain’s largest and most aggressive butterfly in action, especially in the location from which it is staging a remarkable comeback.

Photo by Zoe Anderton

Lecture series: Birdsong, Bats, Bugs (sorry Erica!) and Stork Pellets

After dinner, each evening, we were treated to a talk by a visiting expert, during which we learned how to identify birds by their songs and calls; all about bat ecology; a fascinating discussion about research into the diet of wild and reintroduced white storks from the contents of their pellets; and, finally, an intriguing review of the weird and wonderful world of insects.

During one of our lectures, we were also lucky enough to meet and chat with the estate’s owner and visionary behind the rewilding Project, Charlie Burrell.

Conclusion

The field course at the Knepp Rewilding Project with Operation Wallacea was a comprehensive and immersive experience. Through a variety of surveys and hands-on activities, we gained valuable insights into ecological research and conservation. The skills and knowledge we acquired during this week are not only essential for budding ecologists but also contribute to the broader goals of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.

Beyond its educational value, the week was immensely enjoyable. It provided us with the opportunity to spend time with like-minded individuals of all ages, sharing our passion for the natural world and fostering connections that may last a lifetime. Moreover, the field course facilitated the establishment of highly valuable networking links for future studies and career development in the fields of ecology, biology and environmental geography.

The experience left a lasting impact on our understanding of ecological systems and conservation practices, equipping us with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that will undoubtedly shape our future contributions to environmental stewardship. Throughout the week, we had the highly valuable opportunity to meet and learn from eminent scientists, researchers, and practitioners across a wide range of specialist fields. Their insights and expertise enriched our learning experience, providing diverse perspectives on current conservation challenges and innovative solutions.

The organisation, welcome, and care for our welfare, wellbeing, and health and safety provided by Fran and the onsite team from Operation Wallacea were first class. Their efforts ensured that we could focus entirely on our learning and research, knowing that all our needs were expertly managed.

On the final morning, before our departure from the estate, we were treated to a great view of another of the project’s great successes—a purring turtle dove perched above our camp. It was a perfect way to end the week – a testament to the positive impact of the Knepp Estate’s rewilding efforts on local biodiversity and a glimpse of what it might be possible for us to help to achieve on a wider scale.