willow emerald damselfly

Trevor ‘Tabs’ Taberham, Volunteer Wildlife Warden, began a full entomology survey of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in May. It is the first time that an entomology survey has been carried out in the garden.

Assisted by his partner Pat and entomologist friend Neil Marks and his wife Anne, he has discovered, photographed, identified and recorded hundreds of insect species. The project has recently revealed the presence of the willow emerald damselfly in the garden.

The willow emerald is one of 10 species of damselfly at Fairhaven. There are also ten species of dragonfly, including the rare Norfolk Hawker, plus a healthy collection of butterflies and moths.

willow emerald damselfly

Trevor ‘Tabs’ Taberham said: “The willow emerald damselfly is a great discovery. I originally found two specimens, but my photographs were not very good. So Pat and I returned and carried out a careful hunt for the willow emerald and in three hours we found seven. I photographed them and sent them to Pam Taylor, recorder at the British Dragonfly Society, for verification. She confirmed that all the images were that of the willow emerald. It is still quite a rare damselfly and restricted mainly to Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The first confirmed find was in Suffolk in 2007.”

“Our survey continues; my friends Neil and Anne and partner Pat have all spent hours searching the undergrowth, but it is very much an on going process; as seasons change, so does the wildlife and at Fairhaven anything can turn up at any time! I believe that the reason why there is so much wildlife present at Fairhaven, is the long-term organic gardening practice, with a complete ban on insecticides, herbicides and other poisons, plus the environmentally friendly way in which all work in the garden is planned and carried out.”

Louise Rout, Fairhaven Garden Manager said: “I have always wanted us to do a full wildlife survey, particularly focussing on entomology. I am so grateful to Tabs and his team of experts for accepting this challenge. I am looking forward to him revealing other rarities in the garden.”

trevor-tabs-taberham

Tabs also records up to 25 bird species, featuring all three species of woodpecker, on a three times a week check. Animals present include Chinese water deer, muntjac deer, roe deer, fox, rabbit, stoat, otter, grey squirrel and bank vole.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden won the Norwich & Norfolk Eco Awards 2016 small business category.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham NR13 6DZ, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, t. 01603 270449, [email protected]www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

The garden is open daily all year from 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day and closes 4pm in the winter). Garden entry is £6.50 adult, £5.90 concessions, £3.75 child (under 5 free). Free entry to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales. Boat trips run from April to the end of October (additional charge).

There is wheelchair access throughout the garden, including a Sensory Garden and an accessible boat. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available.

Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.