Species Counts
Each year a group of volunteers from the Vegan Land Movement return to each area of land removed from animal agriculture to record the species who have returned. This recording started in 2022 and we will continue to survey species to share how many species are making these areas of land their home.
Species Count 2022
In August 2022 several of the VLM volunteers visited all 4 of the parcels of land that have been removed from dairy grazing.
We travelled to the sites with some quadrats, (A quadrat is a frame, traditionally square, used in ecology & biology to isolate an area for study, this is repeated over a site to ascertain the percentage & distribution of species) plant and insect apps and identification booklets to cross reference the species we found.
Buzzing With Life
We were all overwhelmed when we arrived at the first parcel of land because biodiversity had moved back in in abundance. The land was buzzing with life and so very different from the grazing field next door.
Neighbouring Cattle Field
Gate of Plot 1
All four sites removed from dairy grazing were in various stages of rewilding. New native tree saplings had also started to grow alongside the many native saplings we planted in 2021. their home.
There is no amount of words to describe the beauty of seeing all these creatures return. We even saw a weasel who had moved onto the land where we all blocked the chicken unit being build. Seeing a persecuted animal called ‘vermin’ by farmers, move onto VLM land was rather magical.
Approximately 500 wonderful people have removed these 4 plots of land with their donations and subscriptions. What could we do and how many species could we save with 5000 or 50,000 of us?
Species Count 2023
In July 2023 Vegan Land Movement team and a group of volunteers carried out a second species survey on the four plots of land and what we found was breath-taking! There had been so much growth on the land since July 2022 and an abundance of life was observed, witnessed and recorded. It was a humbling and beautiful experience.
One of the most significant things we witnessed was the transformation of plot one which was removed from dairy farming in September 2020.
On arrival at this area of land we found that the entrance gate was more or less completely hidden because of the growth that had occurred. Here are last year’s and this year’s entrance gate images. We had to make a small path here to access the land. The denser areas of this plot were not ventured into at all .
Plot 1 Gate 2022
This first plot has well and truly reached the next stage of rewilding which includes the breeding of mammals and birds
Of course, this was just an ecological snapshot taken over a few days and so many species would have been missed because they were hidden, out of sight, nocturnal, cleverly camouflaged, living underground, or too small to be seen with the naked eye alongside all of those who are present at other times of the year. We recorded all that we could see and also took videos and sound recordings to help with identification.
Important note: We were incredibly careful and carried out these counts with respect and sensitivity.
When we saw certain species that are listed below, 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. The reed bunting nest was discovered by complete chance and this whole area was then left immediately so that the parents could return without fear.
We witnessed three species here that prove that this plot is at the next rewilding level. The species are nesting reed buntings, nesting wood mice and also there were three sightings of a black adder!
We vacated the areas of these sightings immediately. The species mat in the image below was lifted and replaced within seconds.
In total, an incredible 39 new animal species were seen and 18 new plant species, which were not recorded at all last year.
This incredible surge in life and biodiversity was only made possible due to the land being freed from harmful farming industry practices. For this, we owe much gratitude and thanks 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.
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.
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