WREXHAM Glyndŵr University's Northop Campus was buzzing with activity last weekend as visitors flocked to record the site's wildlife at its first ever 'Bioblitz' event.

Sunday, June 9, saw a host of experts working to register as many species of plants and animals as possible across the campus while a series of free family activities took place to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Glyndwr staff and students were joined by Flintshire Council’s Biodiversity service and Cofnod, the North Wales Environmental Record centre at the event which marked the close of Wales Nature Week 2019.

Organisations represented on the day included North Wales Wildlife Trust, the Field Studies Council, the RSPB and the British Dragonfly Society with individual experts on hand covering everything from beetles to badgers.

Carl Payne, site services assistant at Glyndwr’s Northop Campus, said: “We were delighted to welcome more than 150 members of the public as well as a host of expert recorders and a range of wildlife and nature organisations, to our Northop Campus for its first Bioblitz.

“Working alongside our partners in Flintshire County Council’s Access and Environment department and environmental recorders Cofnod, we conducted a full survey of the site and made some really interesting discoveries – including at least one first for Flintshire already.

“There were more than 150 records made on the day and 120 separate species found – and that number is likely to grow significantly once all the species discovered on the day are analysed, so do watch this space!

“Everyone who came down on the day has helped to develop our understanding of what is a very special site and I’d like to thank everyone for taking part on the day, as well as the behind-the scenes team, particularly Glyndwr facilities manager Dennis Powell and our the students on all of our courses here at Northop who lent their time during the day.”

Richard Gallon, recording specialist for Cofnod, added: “An impressive list of invertebrates was made on the day, including a fabulous black Sexton Beetle. The jumping spider Sitticus pubescens was also new to the site, and is only the second record of this species from Flintshire. Another interesting find was Micaria pulicaria, a small spider which mimics an ant to avoid being eaten by predators.”