Chris Lawrence
What to Spot in Walsall
Help us track our priority species
This summer, as part of the Wild Walsall project, we are asking people in Walsall to help us to learn more about the distribution of some of our most important species and habitats. We would like people to help look for 5 key species – Green Hairstreak butterfly, Green Tiger Beetle, Willow Tit, Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath. Knowing where these species are will help us to focus our habitat work to best benefit these species.
We would like you to report your sightings either via the free iNaturalist app/website or by emailing us at enquiries@ecorecord.org.uk. A quick guide to using iNaturalist can be found here.
We've put together guides to these species below:
WildNet - Paul Thrush
Green Hairstreak butterfly
The green hairstreak is the UK's only green butterfly. Look out for the vibrant, metallic sheen of the undersides of its wings on grassland and moorland, and along woodland rides.
Scientific name
Callophrys rubi
When to see
April to June
Green Tiger Beetle
A ferocious and agile predator, the green tiger beetle hunts spiders, ants and caterpillars on heaths, grasslands and sand dunes. It is one of our fastest insects and a dazzling metallic green colour.
Scientific name
Cicindela campestris
When to see
April to September
W - Adam Jones
Willow Tit
Willow tit
The willow tit lives in wet woodland and willow carr in England, Wales and southern Scotland. It is very similar to the marsh tit, but has a distinctive pale panel on its wings.
Scientific name
Poecile montanus
When to see
January to December
Bell heather (Erica cinerea) in flower. Minsmere RSPB reserve in Suffolk. July 2011. - Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath
Heather is an essential component of many of our key heathland habitats. Your sightings help us improve our knowledge of how Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Cross-Leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) are faring across Walsall, allowing us work to improve their habitat.
The Wild Walsall project is made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.