Surrey County Council is nearing the end of this year’s tree planting season and modified the proposed hedge planting on site after the find. This was to benefit the species and enhance the declining habitat to provide a better chance of survival. Over 3,800 native broadleaf trees were planted to provide a habitat corridor to not only allow the glowworms to travel more freely in search of their food but also encourage other wildlife species. Glowworms thrive in a mosaic of habitats which combine earth, tall grasses and scrub. To support this, gaps were left within the newly planted hedgerows to encourage the growth of grasses and wildflowers, helping to attract snails which are the preferred food source of glowworms.
Working in partnership with the local farmer, it was also decided to relocate a flock of sheep grazing close to the glowworms to a nearby alternative field. This minimised disturbance and increased the best chance of stabilising and increasing the colony.
