Ketton shines with record number of glow worms
Our Ketton Quarry Nature Reserve is glowing with a record number of glow worms, including in areas of the site where they haven’t been previously recorded.
It’s fantastic news as there has been a big decline in the number of glow worms found in the UK over the 30 years and is a great example of the biodiversity that exists at mineral extraction sites.
The site, which is a restored part of our Grange Top quarry adjacent to our Ketton cement works, has been managed for wildlife by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) for nearly 25 years.
Members of LRWT regularly visit the reserve to monitor and record all of the species that call it home. At the last count 87 glowing females and eight males were reported – a record for the number of female glow worms noted at any one site in Rutland. Last year the highest number of glowing females recorded at Ketton was 35.
Glow worms emit light at all stages of their life cycle, but it is the adult females that really glow. They are a type of beetle and can live for up to two years as larvae, but only a week in adult form and are most visible from mid-June until the end of July.
The nature reserve is home to a number of nationally scarce species of invertebrate, including the pot beetle (Cryptocephalus biguttatus), dung beetle (Onthophagus joannae), Liquorice Piercer moth, Orange-tailed Clearwing moth and Hornet Clearwing moth. It is also a significant site for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and wildflowers.
Sarah Bedford, Senior Reserve Officer at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said: “The thriving glow worm population at the nature reserve is just one example of how careful habitat management can benefit a whole unseen delicate ecosystem and increase the biodiversity and natural value of a once industrial landscape.”
Enhancing the environment is part of our commitment to being a leading sustainable business and contributing to a nature positive world, in line with our 2030 commitments.
Photo: Credit Tim Sexton