What is the habitat for Roots of Rockingham?
Rockingham Forest covers more than 200 square miles, and has long been part of the natural and cultural heritage of Northamptonshire. It was designated a hunting forest by William the Conqueror back in 1086. Much of the once-vast ancient broad-leaved forest remains, but in separate woodland patches, dotted through the arable landscape. These are wonderful places, where nationally rare plants, bats, birds, reptiles and butterflies can still be found.
Why is this habitat at risk?
Over much of Rockingham Forest, the traditional management that maintained diverse wildlife and a variety of habitats has ceased. The increasingly fragmented woodlands have been badly affected by increasing numbers of deer, which browse and nibble any new seedlings, regrowth and other vegetation. The nature of the woods is changing too as a result of climate change and nutrient enrichment from atmospheric nitrogen, caused by traffic and agricultural fertilisers.
How we will bring back Rockingham Forest’s species
This Back from the Brink project, led by Butterfly Conservation, will restore and manage a network of woodland sites across the Rockingham Forest area, creating more habitat in which vulnerable species can thrive. We will introduce more diversity in the woodlands, increasing the complexity of the forest structure and creating more open space and habitat niches, such as dead wood. We will involve local people, helping them to get closer to the extraordinary wildlife of the forest, and working with volunteers to manage and monitor it.
Once enough suitable habitat is available, we will reintroduce the Chequered Skipper Butterfly, extinct in England since 1976. We will monitor the effects of all this work, and best practice advice will be disseminated to woodland managers to ensure the forest remains healthy.
What we’re aiming for
By the end of the project, we aim to have restored and managed this network of sites, ensuring the recovery and viability of the forest and the species that depend on it. We also want to see the Chequered Skipper on the wing in England again.
We want everyone to be able to discover and enjoy these precious woodlands and find a way to connect, help and protect the species going forward. Members of the public of all ages are invited to join us to spread the word about our species and discover ways they can promote the conservation of important woodland habitats and species.
Opportunities to survey species are available for experienced and novice volunteers alike. Guided walks and training sessions give people the specialist skills they need to monitor and conserve these species. Friendly networks of highly skilled, expert volunteers support one another and newcomers to the project.
We want people to feel empowered to monitor, protect and share experiences of butterflies including the Chequered Skipper, moths, reptiles like our Adders, birds, plants and other wildlife. In addition to survey and habitat management work parties, creative events enable people to explore their connection with nature and to express and share conservation messages in a variety of ways.
The next generation are the woodland stewards of the future, so we want to work with as many schools and educational groups as possible to help young people discover, enjoy and stand up for woodland habitats.
We are delivering school workshops to KS2 primary classes, home education groups of a range of ages. We are also promoting conservation career opportunities to young people and providing specialist project management talks to further and higher education organisations upon request.
How to get involved
Can you help us by getting involved with surveys, or with the management for Rockingham Forest? Find out more at our talks, walks and free events.
If you know of a school or community group that would benefit from connecting with our project, please get in touch. Do you have an idea for a fun, engaging event that could help a new audience connect with nature? we are always keen to hear new ideas!
You can get the latest news, and find out about upcoming events, by following the links below or email rootsofrockingham@butterfly-conservation.org
Project timeline
Spring 2020
Monitoring of newly establishing population of Chequered Skipper butterflies emerging as a result of 2 previous introductions from a Belgian donor population
Summer 2020
Vegetation surveys along with volunteer led Adder, bat and both monitoring undertaken throughout the project area. Bat hibernation roost creation
Autumn 2020
Virtual events and educational workshops provided to inspire and engage a wider audience across a variety of nature connection themes. Adder clearings created in key woodlands
Winter 2020-21
The final winter of woodland ride management completed with future rotational management operations being built into landowners’ 10-year habitat management plans
Spring 2021
Third Chequered Skipper Translocation. Continued monitoring of chequered skipper butterflies, vegetation and Adder. Final volunteer, landowner and stakeholder thank you event
Summer 2021
Project closure, datasets, reports and resources shared with appropriate organisations
Project contacts
Susannah O’Riordan
Project Officer
soriordan@butterfly-
01780 444067
Liz Morrison
Community Engagement Officer
emorrison@butterfly-conservation.org
01780 444067
Bringing them Back From The Brink
We are working with some of the most endangered species in England. With your help we can do even more to save them.