Wildlife at Chesworth Farm
The intricate nature of Chesworth’s hedgerows and fields provides homes, nesting sites and food for a myriad of wildlife. The diversity contained in the age-old hedges provides connectivity and safe access for a range of birds, mammals and insects to move around in safety.
Our records show that over a thousand species of plant and animal thrive on the farm. Some of these are rare and endangered as well as having legal protection. Their special conservation status reflects their rarity value. They are often only found in specialist habitats.
For example, the descriptive Bishop’s Mitre Shieldbug that favours our diversity of grasses or the Red Bartsia Bee that feeds exclusively on… Red Bartsia flowers, a plant that is abundant in some of our fields. Both species are only common in areas where these special habitats are found. Just like Cut grass – a plant species that is only found wild on the River Arun and especially where cattle graze. Chesworth Farm is lucky enough to host a tiny pocket of it.
The Brown Hairstreak butterfly is at risk due to the national loss of hedgerows and the Skylark’s rapid decline is through intensification of farming: both receive legal protection. Just like the Hazel Dormouse whose natural hedgerow habitat is under threat. All three species are encouraged at Chesworth.
Through loss of barns and narrowing of field boundaries the Barn Owl has also declined over the years. These habitats were perfect for nesting and rearing prey like Harvest Mice and voles and on which the owls feed. We treasure our nesting pairs though we can never guarantee their presence.
The abundance of longer grass and plants like the vetches and trefoils are perfect for species that are designated as “locally common”. The Wasp Spider that spins its web among the taller grasses or the Dingy Skipper a butterfly that needs the leguminous plants, podded “peas and beans”, as foodplants.
Through careful site management and regular bio-surveys to record finds, we can see the diversity is increasing. New species, some of which are also nationally scarce, are being found every year.
In 2021 Chesworth Farm was designated a Local Wildlife Site. These sites are carefully selected, using science-based criteria to indicate their significance and local worth for wildlife, ecological biodiversity and mosaic habitats.
