In one field we counted 1800, our highest ever figure! Number have been increasing since we took over management of the reserve back in 2014, at that time we only counted 40.

At Carmel we have a number of hayfields that are in reversion after being semi improved in the past. This involves an annual haycut and aftermath grazing of the fields. Slowly year after year, we are taking nutrients out of the system, and establishing habitat conditions more favourable for some of our most special meadow plants. All the fields are improving in species diversity, however some have responded particularly well. It seems the fields, or parts of fields with the greatest gradient, are exhibiting the greatest recovery.

Volunteers came together last week to do a full sweep of our most species diverse hay field. Walking in a spread out line we slowly worked our way crisscrossing the field. Clouds of butterflies were flushed out of the vegetation as we pushed our way through and counted the orchids. At the end of the day we were also treated to the sighting of 2 adders sheltering under a refugia. The first confirmed sighting for the reserve (and also for some of our volunteers)!