Tree sparrows, wild asparagus and the fan mussel are almost extinct in Dorset, a shocking new report into the State of Nature in Britain has revealed.
The report, put together by wildlife groups across the country and due to be launched by Sir David Attenborough today, says 60 per cent of all species studies are in decline and one in ten are on the verge of extinction.
In Dorset's woodland areas, the pearl-bordered fritillary and high brown fritillary butterflies have become extinct.
Our coastal areas only have one wild asparagus plant remaining, and the large garden bumblebee has disappeared from our gardens.
Dorset Wildlife Trust say some historically common species are also now rarely seen in Dorset - there is only one recent record of the Fan Mussel (Atrina Fragilis) and the tree sparrow is nearly extinct, with fewer than 20 pairs remaining.
Dorset's heathland, mentioned in the report as an example of an irreplaceable habitat, has reduced from its historical figure of 365,000 hectares to less than 6,000 hectares, according to DWT.
The heath grasshopper and heath tiger beetle have declined substantially, the wart-biter bush-cricket is extinct in the county and the curlew is now extinct as a breeding bird. The only native crayfish, the white-clawed, is disappearing from rivers and streams.
But Dorset is also mentioned in the report in a positive light. Marsh fritillary butterflies has increased by 278% per cent, compared with a 50% decline in the rest of Britain, thanks to conservation schemes.
New breeding sites for the Bechstein’s bat were also found in Dorset woodlands and Studland was highlighted as an "encouraging example of sensitive management, habitat creation and enhancement."
And the globally threatened stag beetle can still be found in Bournemouth.
“Dorset is one of the most wildlife rich counties in the UK,” said Tony Whitehead of the RSPB in Dorset. “But like never before its wildlife is under threat.”
However there have been some successes with conservationists bringing back heathland which has helped the nightjar recover and the smooth snake – the UK’s rarest – survive. While the ladybird spider has been successfully reintroduced.
“Dorset still has internationally important areas of heathland and a number of initiatives have helped protect, manage and re-connect them over recent years,” said Imogen Davenport, director of conservation at Dorset Wildlife Trust.
“For example our new Urban Wildlink project will help us and our partners acquire and manage major areas of heathland and protect the wildlife habitats now and for future generations.”
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