CONSERVATION

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are looking for volunteers to help take part in a dung beetle project, as part of rewilding efforts at Allestree Park in Derby.

Rewilding Officers are exploring how the Minotaur dung beetle (Typhaeus typhoeus), found during an ecology survey, could contribute to restoring natural processes at the 320-acre park, the focus of one of the UK’s largest urban rewilding projects.

Dung beetles perform an important ecological role; by feeding on and burying animal dung, they help recycle nutrients, improve soil structure and support other wildlife.

The dung beetle work forms part of a wider programme designed to allow nature to take a greater role in shaping Allestree Park. Grassland is being managed less intensively, while research and monitoring are helping track how wildlife and habitats respond.

The rewilding project is being delivered by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Derby City Council and the University of Derby, with almost £1.1 million in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Emily Hughes, Urban Rewilding Programme Officer, commented:

“Dung beetles are incredibly important ecosystem engineers. Understanding the scale of their presence and how to improve habitats for them to thrive, will help create a healthier, more resilient landscape at Allestree Park.” 

The Trust’s programme dung beetle monitoring will give members of the public opportunities to help discover more about the park’s fascinating insect life.

There will be dung beetle surveys for two weeks from 14 to 28 September, as well as carrying out torching, a night-time surveying method to look for beetles along different transects. 

Officers are also organising a free dung beetle training session on Friday 18 September, 1pm-3pm at Allestree Park.

If you'd like to take part, drop an email to the team at allestreepark@derbyshirewt.co.uk