Helping hand for threatened species (From The Northern Echo)

Helping hand for threatened species

4:50pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Ryedale News

A RARE beetle that is still clinging to existence in North Yorkshire is being given a helping hand in its continuing fight for survival..

The tansy beetle is one of the most endangered species in Britain and is now found only certain parts of the River Ouse.

For a number of years an action group has been working to increase the number of the creature, which is tiny and green with iridescent wing cases.

Now the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is playing its part through its new Vale of York project.

It plans to improve the wetland habitat around the river banks for wildlife, with a focus on insects and has won cash from an envionemntal fund financed by landfill tax credits.

The two-year project will see conservation work going ahead on twelve sites around the Ouse, to include the restoration and creation of ponds and planting of shrubs.

The project will also tackle invasive species like Himalayan balsam which competes with tansy plants on which the tansy beetle relies for food.

Numerous birds, small mammals and reptiles which use the river as their home will also benefit, including otters.

Project officer Claire Jackson said: “This is a brilliant project to be part of as insects play a huge role in our ecosystem.

“Knowing that we can improve and create habitats for insects that other species will also benefit from is a really good feeling."

To find out more about the project - or to get involved - contact claire.jackson@ywt.org.uk or call the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on (01904) 659570.