Species Counts 2025
Over a long weekend, running from 17th-21st of July, a large group of Vegan Land Movement volunteers visited all eight areas of VLM land removed from animal agriculture, to record the 2025 Species Counts. The two newest plots, Plot 7 and Plot 8 were visited and had their first ever baseline species surveys completed.
There were around 20 of us in all, who travelled from plot to plot and on the Saturday we had to divide into two groups to make sure we could visit all of the plots. We were greeted by the sight of a multitude of species who had moved onto these previously monoculture grazing plots.
An amazing group of dedicated volunteers with keen eyes and sharp cameras gently made their way over each site recording anything they saw. Take a look at this incredible image of a Thistle Gall Wasp photographed by Anne-Marie and a Red Soldier Beetle photographed by Cleve.
Can you spot the Orbweaver Spider hiding to the right of the Red Soldier Beetle?
Thistle Gall Wasp and Red Soldier Beetle with Orbweaver Spider
Below is a snap shot of all the species photographed and recorded:
Wasp Spider, Argiope Bruennichi recorded on all plots
There has been so much growth on the sites since the previous year and an abundance of life was witnessed and recorded. We had three glorious days recording species and below is a collage of all of the life we photographed and identified by their various markings, via sound recordings and photographs of droppings.
Overall, we recorded an incredible 197 plant species and 217 different animal species including:
3 reptile species (200% increase since last year)
7 mammal species (133.3% increase since last year)
139 insect species (61.6% increase since last year)
40 bird species (73.9% increase since last year)
8 Gastropoda species (snails and slugs) (20.0% decrease, this is probably due to hot conditions while surveying)
19 arachnid (spider) species ( 35.7% increase since last year)
1 amphibian species (no change)
This translates to an overall approximate increase of 57.2% in fauna species on the same plots since 2022.
The numbers recorded are just a selection of the species that have colonised these parcels of land removed from dairy grazing, species that the VLM volunteers observed, photographed and successfully identified. There are of course hundreds, if not thousands of others that would have been hidden, out of sight, or nocturnal or too small to see with the naked eye. Several badger latrines were discovered again on plot 6 alongside foraging pathways, runs and tunnels through long grasses. This showed clearly that badgers are feeling safe to forage on VLM land.
Important note: We were incredibly careful and carried out these counts with respect and sensitivity.
When we saw certain vulnerable species, we promptly moved away from them and did not return to where they were sighted. This species survey was undertaken gently and without harm, other than the moving of foliage where necessary to carefully access areas. As you can see by the photo of the tiny toadlet below, we had to be very careful where we walked.
Mammals
This year we identified a total of 7 different mammal species on the VLM plots. We physically saw each deer species (Muntjac, Roe, Fallow and Red) as well as a woodmouse. The badger, otter and hedgehog were accurately identified by their scats and the presence of moles was recorded by identifying their frequently seen molehills. Below are the animals witnessed on most of the VLM plots:
Birds
Below are the birds seen or heard and identified by a local volunteer and ornithology expert, Pete Welch, who meticulously recorded their songs and knew where to look for certain species. Many of these species were also verified by volunteers using the Merlin bird song recording app. Bird species have greatly increased (by 73.9%) since last year.
Butterflies
We saw many butterflies and moth species this year too. Below is a selection of the butterflies and a few of the moths photographed and recorded. Butterflies have increased by 60% since last year.
During this visit we also undertook a baseline species count of plot 7 removed from dairy farming in July 2024 and Plot 8, removed from dairy farming on the 14th of May this year. There are several badger setts near plot 8 and we recorded one possible badger latrine there.
Interestingly, plot 8 is surrounded by hedgerows and brambles and this plot had several different plant species unique to this plot. Plot 8 felt magical because it is completely enclosed. This has formed a microclimate and therefore revealed more plants than any other of the plots. Plot 8 had not been grazed since last summer and this year all the seeds that had collected within this enclosed field could germinate and now thrive. We suspect that tree species will also appear naturally here too. We also recorded pheasant or grouse chicks at the centre of this plot so we stayed clear of this area to allow the parents to return.
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper, Chorthippus Albomarginatus photographed on plot 8
We also managed to survey plot 2 this year, after not managing to access it last year. Plot 2 is only accessible around the edges because of the density of growth. The great news here was that we identified an otter scat on a fallen log and the willows we planted on this plot in 2021 have started to become mature and grow above the reeds and grasses.
Planted native willows on plot 2 and Otter scat (known as a spraint) on moss.
Trees
Lots of the native trees we have planted are growing well, especially alder, willow and birch. Below is a collage of some of these trees on plots 2, 4, 5 and 6. The centre image is of an alder producing seeds on plot 4. This was wonderful to see.
This incredible surge in life and biodiversity was only made possible due to the land being freed from harmful farming industry practices and for which we are incredibly grateful to all who have donated, as it is you who have helped create these rich new habitats for wildlife species, many of whom are endangered.
Meadow Grasshopper, Pseudochorthippus Parallelus and Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae Butterfly
We are also very grateful to the brilliant volunteers who gave up their time to help with the Species Counts.
And an extra special thank you goes to VLM volunteer, Steven Ware and his wife, Jen for all the many hours of work undertaken, helping to identify species and to create the spreadsheets – we couldn’t have done this without you!
“If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago.
If insects were to vanish, the envrionment would collapse into chaos.”
– E. O. Wilson
“As you approach the far end of the field, a small deer bounds out of the grasses and takes off for the hedge – it is too small for a Roe so must be a Muntjac, an introduced species. At the water’s edge you hear a PLOP! Could only be a Water Vole! How exciting! And on the opposite bank, a charm of goldfinches is busy feeding on the thistle seedheads”.
Musings by volunteer, April Dunnet written in July 2025 at the VLM Species Surveys.
Muntjac Deer, Muntiacus and Goldfinch, Spinus tristis seen on plot 4. Photos by Caroline Legg, Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to all who have donated to save these areas of land and shared the work of the Vegan Land Movement CIC. The VLM is all of us working together to make a real difference. We are saving so many lives by removing the land from animal agriculture and giving it back to struggling wildlife.
We need to keep on creating these nature havens all over the country to help species in decline and to mitigate against the effects of the climate crisis and ecological and biodiversity crisis.
None of the species featured would exist on expenses of monoculture grazing.
They would be trampled by cattle, the earth compacted and these wonderful creatures could not survive.
If you would like to help us with this mission and find out more information about becoming a member of the Vegan Land Movement and donating monthly to help save lives, wildlife and help the planet, please click the link below:
If you want to spring into action and help the VLM with their next land purchase please visit:
“Thank you all for your support.”
– The VLM Team