The wildlife in the Dene
As a local wildlife site, the Brierdene is home to a diverse range of species.
In the Brierdene wildlife site, to date (15th September 2026) we have recorded:
1,144 different species including:
39 species of Arachnids
3 species of Bats
128 species of Birds
66 species of Bugs and Beetles
18 species of Bumblebees, Bees and Solitary Bees
21 species of Butterflies
3 species of Centipedes and Millipedes
5 species of Crustaceans
6 species of Dragonflies and Damselflies
23 species of Fish and Amphibians
73 species of Flies
57 species of Fungi and Mildews
2 species of Harvestman
9 species of Ladybirds
13 species of Mammals
10 species of Molluscs
122 species of Mosses, Lichens and Liverworts
177 species of Moths and Miners
339 species of Plants, Bushes and Trees
1 species of Reptiles
18 species of Wasps
11 species of Worms
Our Latest Finds
We continually survey the Dene for new species
Our latest finds include:
Mint Moth
Pyrausta aurata
The is a small moth also known by the common name small purple and gold. These moths inhabit chalk and limestone grassland, woodland, marshland and gardens, and have a wingspan of 18–20 millimetres.
Thick-Legged Hoverfly
Syritta pipiens
This is one of the most common species in the insect family Syrphidae. The thick-legged hoverfly is quite small having a wing length ranging between 4.25–7 mm and a body length between 6.5–9 mm.
Large Dark Olive Mayfly
Baetis rhodani
As a Mayfly this species is one of the first to emerge in the year. It was found on the 3rd of March 2026.