Nottinghamshire Glow Worms 2022
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The Glow Worm is without doubt, one of our most fascinating insects. Famous for the ability to produce its own light, the green bioluminescence emitted by the female Glow Worm has formed the basis of countless fairy tales and folklore over centuries.

Despite still regarded by some authorities as being both nationally and locally common, this delightful beetle has been proved to be in serious decline.

The data collected by a number of local recorders over the past ten years, has helped confirm both decline and demise in Nottinghamshire's Glow Worm populations. However, getting people to sit up and take notice has proved to be rather difficult and it doesn't help when those very same authorities continue to denounce any existance of decline. 

Habitat loss through urbanisation and industrial development, the use of pesticides and herbicides in modern farming practices and the increase in light pollution, are all thought to have contributed to the Glow Worm's decline.

 
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But Nottinghamshire is fortunate in having one of the UK's largest and most famous Glow Worm colonies in the shape of Clipstone Old Quarter. For many years, Clipstone Old Quarter (located deep within the heart of Sherwood Forest) was synonymous for producing the UK's earliest larvae and females and with the 2022 glowing season only a few months away, there is much to look forward to.
 

Help monitor Glow Worm distribution - contribute your records

Members of the public can contribute to the Nottinghamshire Glow Worm Survey and we welcome any Glow Worm records from within VC56 Nottinghamshire. The easiest way to contribute your records, is by completing the simple online survey form on the right.

The form can also be used to send in any old Glow Worm records you may have, as old records are important in helping to determine a more accurate picture of Glow Worm distribution and how it has changed over time. And it is just as useful if we know where Glow Worms are not found, so please remember that negative results from a site are equally as important as positive results and will help our mapping of the Glow Worm's distribution.

Useful Glow Worm links on www.eakringbirds.com

  
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Predicting the start of the glowing season in 2022

I often get asked when the first Glow Worm will appear? Its a difficult question to answer and you would think that after monitoring the larval population of a colony for the over a decade, then I should have some idea by now. Such predictions are difficult and largely guesswork at best, but there are factors that needed to be taken into consideration.

The ability of Glow Worm larvae to find food over at least two years is one, especially during periods of prolonged dryness. In the past, Sherwood Forest has undergone periods of very dry conditions which leads to the dehydration of Glow Worm larvae. During some larval surveying in the late Summer and early Autumn of 2013, Dilys and I found that some larvae were becoming paper thin and when rain did eventually arrive on September 6th, we found larvae taking on much needed water.

The variabilities of the UK weather is without doubt the biggest factor in determining when any species will appear. Not just around the time of adult emergence, but over the course of the previous few months and probably well over the past year of larval life in Glow Worms.

 
Photograph by Martin Dale

For larvae going on to become adult this Summer, having suitable weather conditions for hunting (warm and damp) and the ability to find enough food during the previous Autumn, is thought likely to be much more critical than during the Spring, as most pre-pupation development has probabaly already taken place. We have had over-wintering larva in captivity, which never ate anything before pupation.
 
Average monthly minimum Winter temperatures 2008-2022
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    2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Nov - Apr   2.80°C 2.08°C 2.35°C 3.28°C 1.55°C 3.33°C 2.93°C 3.59°C 3.46°C 2.68°C 2.97°C 3.50°C 2.55°C 3.61°C
Jan - Apr   2.80°C 1.62°C 3.67°C 2.75°C 1.05°C 3.62°C 2.45°C 2.35°C 3.50°C 2.47°C 3.41°C 3.82°C 1.92°C 3.40°C
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Date of first female   May 27th May 24th May 13th May 30th June 8th May 18th May 23rd June 3rd May 20th May 24th May 31st May 20th June 3rd May 17th
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Average monthly maximum Winter temperatures 2008-2022
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    2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Nov - Apr   8.68°C 8.04°C 8.71°C 9.79°C 7.33°C 10.29°C 9.50°C 10.26°C 9.60°C 8.51°C 10.51°C 10.31°C 8.91°C 10.41°C
Jan - Apr   9.27°C 7.67°C 10.70°C 9.75°C 6.95°C 10.89°C 9.60°C 9.30°C 10.12°C 8.57°C 10.85°C 11.30°C 8.80°C 10.90°C
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Date of first female   May 27th May 24th May 13th May 30th June 8th May 18th May 23rd June 3rd May 20th May 24th May 31st May 20th June 3rd May 17th
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Nottinghamshire Glow Worm records 2022

 The season of larval surveys ended on May 13th, with the first survey for female Glow Worms commencing with surveys on May 10th and May 15th. The first female was recorded on May 17th at the bottom of Section D. This is an early date, in fact the second earliest ever female Glow Worm recorded at Clipstone Old Quarter. The latest count is of eight on June 2nd. Scroll down for the recorded glowing dates of all females on site.

Overall, this has been a hugely disappointing season, yet not really surprising, with a huge decrease in the number of Glow Worms recorded from Clipstone Old Quarter. There remain stretches of some survey sections free of Glow Worms and so far (June 19th) the grass strip sections of A,B,C and D have showed an enormous drop in numbers since 2008, but particularly within the last few years. Just 18 females have appeared in Section D so far in 2022, which has always been the most prolific section for Glow Worms here annually and a mere total of just six females have been recorded from Sections A,B and C this year combined!

As someone who has walked and surveyed this site mostevenings and nights surveying Glow Worms since 2008, you can imagine how I feel to have to be recording and writing about such counts. The years of hundreds of Glow Worms at Clipstone Old Quarter, now seem a lifetime ago.   

Contributors to the Nottinghamshire Glow Worm Survey 2022  
Thanks to the following people who have contributed and/or sent in their survey results: Iain Au-Yong, Izi Banton. Nick and Samantha Brownley. Carl Cornish. Martin Dale. Jason King. Johnny Maxwell. Mark Rolfe. Phil Parry. Trevor Pendleton.
 
Surveyed   Site name   Grid ref   Site type/habitat   Qty   Notes   Recorder
July 5th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   4   The first report for several days. Four females recorded this evening, present along Sections I and S.   IB. CC.
June 29th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two more new females, were the only ones found this evening. Both were located alongside the path in section D and F123 was found with a male.   TP.
June 28th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two new females found along the usual survey sections of  O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A this evening.   TP.
June 27th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   0   No Glow Worms recorded, probably due to a temperature of only 8°C.   JK.
June 26th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   14   An unexpected count of 14 females this evening, all new and one with a male present The usual sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 25th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Just two new females found along Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A this evening.   TP.
June 24th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   9   Only three females (all new) from the regular survey sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A this evening. Two former survey sections of F and G were surveyed in addition to the usual sections and produced a female with a male in Section F and five females in Section G. In all previous years, it was found that Glow Worms appearing in these darker sections meant that the season was on the decline.   TP.
June 23rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   7   Seven females present this evening, four found with males.   TP.
June 22nd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   5   A count of just five females across Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A.   TP.
June 21st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   14   14 females this evening, with most present along the various track edges, with none found well within the grass strip of Sections A,B,C and D. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed. Glow Worms also reported from along other sections of the site by IB and CC (see below)   TP.
June 21st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   28   The highest count of the year for this site so far this evening. There is some overlap of surveyed sections and dupication of recorded Glow Worms with the report above, but totals included 14 females in Sections H and I, Two females and a male in Section F (not surveyed by TP) nine females in Sections J and K and two females in Section O.   IB. CC.
June 20th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   12   Largest count of the year from this site, with 12 females recorded and including one found with a male. All but one of this evening's females were new.   TP.
June 20th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   48   A large increase in numbers present this evening, with 48 females counted.   JK.
June 19th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   7   Seven females counted this evening.   JK.
June 19th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   5   A cool evening with clear skies, but five new females present in Sections O, J (three) and D.   TP.
June 18th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Just two new females found this evening. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 17th   Ruddington   SK562314   Active railway line, grass banked with lined trackbed   5   Five females (four with males) recorded on site this evening.   MD. IA. MR.
June 17th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three females, all recorded as new for the year in Sections J (two) and K.   TP.
June 16th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   Just six females present this evening   TP.
June 15th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   A very late visit, produced two new females in Sections A and C.   TP.
June 15th   Sherwood Forest (Military Path)   SK625679   Grass ride in deciduous  woodland   0   No Glow Worms recorded.   TP.
June 14th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   9   A total of nine females this evening. All were in Section J of the survey route, with all other sections producing nothing. Eight of the nine total were new females.   TP.
June 13th   Ruddington   SK562314   Active railway line, grass banked with lined trackbed   24   A high site count of 24 females this evening.   MD. PP.
June 13th   Wilwell Farm Cutting   SK567349   Former GCR railway line, mixed woodland, grassland and scrub   0   No Glow Worms recorded.   MD. PP.
June 13th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Just two females recorded. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 12th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   15   15 females recorded. Numbers low for this site this year.   JK.
June 12th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   4   Four females. These are likely to be some of those recorded by TP the same evening.   JM.
June 12th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   9   Nine females recorded again this evening, with four recorded as new. Males were found with four females and for the second consecutive evening, no Glow Worms were present in the grass strip sections of A,B,C and D. All sections were surveyed.   TP.
June 11th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   4   Four females this evening.   JK.
June 11th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   9   Given the moonlit conditions, a better total than expected this evening, with nine females found including five new females. Four of these were along Section L.   TP.
June 10th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Just two females (both new) found this evening. Very mild conditions, but with a clear sky and bright moon not helping. Site surveyed in reverse order of A,B,C,D,J,K,L,M and O.   TP.
June 9th   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   8   Eight females this evening.   JK.
June 9th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   8   Eight (seven new) females found this evening, with six having males in attendance. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 8th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Just the one female (F015) recorded from along Section L this evening. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 7th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   4   Despite ideal conditions this evening, only four females were recorded, two of which (F004 and F023) were with males. These small numbers are difficult to find on site, as JM was also on site and reported none.   TP.
June 7th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No Glow Worms recorded.   JM.
June 6th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   In classic poor conditions for Glow Worm surveying, of clearing skies at dusk with increasing moonlight, following a dull and drizzly day, only female (F006) was recorded glowing this evening.   TP.
June 5th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   4   Just four females found this evening, after a very wet day. The only Glow Worms present were F004, F006 and F022 (new) in Section D and F015 in Section L.   TP.
June 4th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   10   Ten (including six new) females recorded. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 3rd   Harlow Wood   SK555565   Coniferous plantation, with areas of recent clearfell   3   First Glow Worms of the year, with three females present.   JK.
June 3rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   8   Eight (three new) females recorded this evening. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
June 2nd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   8   Only very slightly more mild than the previous night, but now eight females on site, with five new females recorded.   TP.
June 1st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Just the one female (F004) recorded glowing this evening.   TP.
May 31st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   4   Four females recorded this evening, on an evening becoming cool after occasional heavy showers throughout the day. Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 30th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   5   Five females found during this evening's survey. Female F003 was present for a fourth day in Section M and females F004 and F005 were joined by two new females in Section D.   TP.
May 29th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Females F003, F004 and F005 recorded in Sections D and M again this evening.   TP.
May 28th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three females recorded this evening, with F003 again in Section M and two new females appearing in Section D. All the usual Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 28th   Sherwood Heath   SK647675   Grass and heather heathland   0   No Glow Worms recorded during a circular walk of the site.   TP.
May 27th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Despite the cool temperatures, a new female (F003) was found in Section M this evening. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 26th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No Glow Worms recorded.   TP.
May 25th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No Glow Worms recorded. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 24th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No Glow Worms recorded this evening in clear, cool conditions.   TP.
May 23rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A new female glowing in Section D, but no sign of the female present from May 17-22nd at the bottom of Section D this evening. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 22nd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Still the one female present again in Section D. All the usual Sections of O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 21st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Just a single female on site at the bottom of Section D. Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 20th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   The one female still glowing in Section D this evening (4th day). The usual survey route of Sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A was followed.   TP.
May 19th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   Still just the one female at the bottom of Section D this evening. Sections (in order of surveying) O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 18th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   The female was again present at the bottom of Section D, during heavy rain. Sections (in order of surveying) O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 17th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   The year's first female Glow Worm was found at the bottom of Section D, on a rather wet, but warm evening. The sections O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 15th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No female Glow Worms recorded during a survey for adults this evening. Sections (in order of surveying) O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 13th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
May 12th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
May 11th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three larvae in Section D this evening, following rain for much of the day. Larval lengths included 20mm, 21mm and 23mm.   TP.
May 10th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No female Glow Worms recorded during an early survey for adults late evening. Sections (in order of surveying) O,L,M,K,J,D,C,B and A were surveyed.   TP.
May 9th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
May 8th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
May 7th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
May 6th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 20mm larva recorded from Section D this evening.   TP.
May 5th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A 23mm larva was found fatally injured in Section A. Another larva was found in Section M, earlier in the day.   TP.
May 4th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   5   Five larvae found this evening, the count no doubt helped by the previous night's rain. Larval lengths and areas included  two larvae measuring 22mm and 24mm in Section A, a 21mm larva in Section C and two 21mm larvae in Section D.   TP.
May 3rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded during an early afternoon survey   TP.
May 2nd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 20mm larva recorded in Section A   TP.
May 1st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 30th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two larvae in Section A late evening, measuring 17mm and 22mm, were the first larvae from this section since 13/04/22.   TP.
April 29th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three further larvae recorded this evening, with the first of the year found in Section C (x2) and a single in Section D. Lengths included 15mm, 18mm and 21mm.   TP.
April 28th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Another three larvae mid-afternoon, all once again recorded within a relatively short length of Section D. All of the larvae in section D have been recorded similarly Larval lengths included  22mm, 24mm and 26mm.   TP.
April 27th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three larvae recorded in Section D this evening, with recorded lengths of 21mm x2 and 22mm   TP.
April 25th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 21mm larva recorded in Section D   TP.
April 24th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Despite the continuing dry conditions, a 20mm larva recorded in Section D this evening. A 25mm larva was also found in another section of this site.   TP.
April 23rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 21st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 16th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 13th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 16mm larva recorded in Section A this evening.   TP.
April 12th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two larvae measuring 22mm and 23mm, were found along Section D during a morning survey.   TP.
April 11th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 10th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two (live) larvae found in Section D this evening, with lengths of 22mm and 17mm.   TP.
April 9th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   2   Two larvae found in Section D. Larval lengths were 18mm and 20mm. Unfortunately, the latter larva was found freshly dead.   TP.
April 8th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 6th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
April 5th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   One 18mm larva recorded along Section D this evening.   TP.
April 4th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   3   Three larvae recorded on a mild evening, although unfortunately one 17mm larva in Section B was found dead. Two live larvae, were found in Section D, measuring 16mm and 17mm.   TP.
April 3rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 29th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 28th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 27th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 25th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 15mm larva was found in Section D this evening   TP.
March 24th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 23rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 22nd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 21st   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 17th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A 24mm larva was found in Section A this afternoon, but was unfortunately mortally wounded   TP.
March 16th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 15th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
March 13th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A 15mm larva in Section A, was unfortunately found dead close to the path edge, having been crushed underfoot   TP.
March 12th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A 20mm larva found along Section B this evening   TP.
March 10th   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   1   A single 14mm larva found with fresh prey item (Slug) in Section D this evening   TP.
March 3rd   Clipstone Old Quarter   SK608674   Gravel cycle path through former Pine plantation and grass/scrub strip   0   No larvae recorded   TP.
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Female glowing dates 2022 

This section documents the recorded dates of individual female Glow Worms at Clipstone Old Quarter during 2022. It is hoped to be able to continue this throughout the season, but as the data continues into July, this section will be transferred to its own specific page on this website as it has in previous years. Note that there was no visit to the site on June 27th.
     
    The dates when each female was recorded glowing. For example, Female 001 (F001) was recorded from 17/05/22 - 22/05/22 and F002 on 23/05/22 only.
W   Rain at Clipstone Old Quarter, for at least some time during the day and/or evening
D   Weather at Clipstone Old Quarter dry and fine during the day and/or evening
M   Male(s) recorded present with female
K   Red letters refer to the location of female within the survey area. Surveyed Sections are A,B,C,D,K,L,M and O.
     
Females 001 - 124
    W D D D D D D D W D D D W W W D D D D W W D W D D D D D D D D D W D D D D D D W D W D D    
.... .... May .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... Jun .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... Jul
Date   17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 01
F001 D                                                                                            
F002 D                                                                                            
F003 M                                                                                            
F004 D                                           M                                                
F005 D                                                                                            
F006 D                                                                                            
F007 J                                                                                            
F008 J                                                                                            
F009 D                                                                                            
F010 D                                                                                            
F011 D                                                                                            
F012 D                                                                                            
F013 M                                                                                            
F014 M                                                                                            
F015 L                                               M                                            
F016 D                                                                                            
F017 D                                                                                            
F018 D                                                                                            
F019 C                                                                                            
F020 B                                                                                            
F021 A                                                                                            
F022 D                                                                                            
F023 L                                                                                            
F024 D                                                                                            
F025 D                                           M                                                
F026 L                                               M                                            
F027 L                                               M                                            
F028 L                                               M                                            
F029 J                                               M                                            
F030 J                                                                                            
F031 D                                                                                            
F032 D                                               M                                            
F033 J                                                                                            
F034 O                                                                                            
F035 L                                                     M                                      
F036 L                                                     M2                                      
F037 L                                                                                            
F038 L                                                                                            
F039 K                                                     M                                      
F040 O                                                                                            
F041 J                                                     M                                      
F042 J                                                                                            
F043 J                                                                                            
F044 J                                                                                            
F045 J                                                                                            
F046 J                                                                                            
F047 J                                                                                            
F048 J                                                                                            
F049 J                                                                                            
F050 J                                                                                            
F051 J                                                                                            
F052 A                                                           M                                
F053 C                                                                                            
F054 J                                                                                            
F055 J                                                             M2                              
F056 K                                                                                            
F057 O                                                             M                              
F058 K                                                                                            
F059 J                                                                                            
F060 J                                                                                            
F061 O                                                                                            
F062 C                                                                                            
F063 O                                                                                            
F064 J                                                                                            
F065 J                                                                                            
F066 J                                                                                            
F067 D                                                                                            
F068 O                                                                                            
F069 O                                                                                            
F070 O                                                                                            
F071 K                                                                                            
F072 J                                                                                            
F073 J                                                                                            
F074 J                                                                                            
F075 J                                                                     M                      
F076 J                                                                                            
F077 C                                                                                            
F078 B                                                                                            
F079 L                                                                                            
F080 M                                                                                            
F081 L                                                                                            
F082 K                                                                                            
F083 J                                                                       M                    
F084 J                                                                                            
F085 J                                                                                            
F086 J                                                                                            
F087 J                                                                                            
F088 B                                                                                            
F089 B                                                                                            
F090 O                                                                                            
F091 O                                                                                            
F092 L                                                                                            
F093 K                                                                                            
F094 J                                                                                            
F095 O                                                                                            
F096 L                                                                           M                
F097 L                                                                                            
F098 J                                                                           M                
F099 J                                                                           M                
F100 J                                                                           M                
F101 D                                                                                            
F102 L                                                                                            
F103 M                                                                                            
F104 J                                                                                            
F105 O                                                                                            
F106 J                                                                                            
F107 O                                                                                            
F108 L                                                                                            
F109 L                                                                                            
F110 J                                                                                 M          
F111 J                                                                                            
F112 J                                                                                            
F113 J                                                                                            
F114 J                                                                                            
F115 J                                                                                            
F116 J                                                                                            
F117 D                                                                                            
F118 D                                                                                            
F119 O                                                                                       M    
F120 O                                                                                            
                                                                                               
Female Glow Worm locations at Clipstone Old Quarter 2022 
...
 
Larval survey data 2022

Now that the larval surveying season is finally underway, the size data obtained from surveying, is now slowly starting to build. Early larvae were recorded on March 10th (14mm) and March 12th (20mm) and following an apparent reduction in Glow Worm numbers along the grass strip survey sections of A, B, C and D over recent years, it will be interesting to see what the subsequent larvae and female numbers will be during Spring and Summer 2022.
 
Fig 01. ... Glow Worm larval size ranges found at Clipstone Old Quarter during March 2022   Data correct as of 31/03/22
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range   Intermediate   19mm-28mm larval size range
Section   9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm   16mm 17mm 18mm   19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm 24mm 25mm 26mm 27mm 28mm
A .. 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 .. 0 0 0 .. 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
B .. 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 .. 1 0 2 .. 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
C .. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .. 0 0 0 .. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
D .. 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 .. 0 1 3 .. 2 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range 60.00%   Intermediate 00.00%   19mm-28mm larval size range 40.00%
Total % .. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 ... 0.00 0.00 0.00 ... 0.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
 
Fig 02. ... Diurnal Glow Worm larval size ranges found during April 2022   Data correct as of 30/04/22
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range   Intermediate   19mm-28mm larval size range
Section   9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm   16mm 17mm 18mm   19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm 24mm 25mm 26mm 27mm 28mm
A .. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 1 0 .. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
B .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 0 0 .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
C .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .. 0 0 0 .. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
D .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 2 3 .. 0 2 3 4 1 1 0 1 0 0
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range 04.00%   Intermediate 37.50%   19mm-28mm larval size range 59.50%
Total % .. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 .. 12.50 12.50 12.50 .. 0.00 8.25 16.50 20.50 4.00 4.00 0.00 4.00 0.00 0.00
 
Fig 03. ... Diurnal Glow Worm larval size ranges found during May 2022   Data correct as of 28/05/22
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range   Intermediate   19mm-28mm larval size range
Section   9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm   16mm 17mm 18mm   19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm 24mm 25mm 26mm 27mm 28mm
A .. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 1 0 .. 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0
B .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 0 0 .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
C .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .. 0 0 0 .. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
D .. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. 1 2 3 .. 0 2 3 4 1 1 0 1 0 0
..
    9mm-15mm larval size range 00.00%   Intermediate 7.75%   19mm-28mm larval size range 92.25%
Total % .. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 .. 0.00 7.75 0.00 .. 0.00 23.00 30.75 15.25 15.25 7.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
 
Larval survey data 2009-2022

Data gained from larval surveys conducted at Clipstone Old Quarter during March, April and May in previous years, showed a decrease in the average length of Glow Worm larvae over the time period. We found that the average larval size from 2009 to 2014 was 20.32mm, based on the data gathered from a total of 771 larvae. The data also showed that larvae were on average, considerably larger in 2009 (22.21mm) than in any of the following years, equating to 1.89mm larger than the average produced between 2009 and 2014. This has continued to be the case and the average length of larvae in 2016 was found to be just 17.99mm, showing a decrease of 4.22mm on larval length data obtained in 2009.

The data in the table provided in Fig 02 below, is presented as (for example) 17.00mm/tL6. An explanation of this would be 17.00mm (the average larval length) / tL6 (taken from a total of six larvae) but this obviously changes daily after each survey, as the size data for latest weekly time period is continually recalculated and updated. The Spring average follows the same principle, but the average is obviously taken from the total number of larvae found that Spring period.
 
Fig 02. ... Glow Worm larval averages during Spring 2009-2022  Data correct as of 28/05/22   * means weekly average data incomplete  
....  
Week/period . 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2020 2021 2022
March 22-31 . ..... ..... 18.03mm/tL27 21.16mm/tL6. ..... 17.90mm/tL13 .   18.44mm/tL90 17.63mm/tL28 00m..............m
April 1-7 . 23.33mm/tL3. 21.27mm/tL13 18.64mm/tL70 19.00mm/tL5. .... 18.65mm/tL24 18.16mm/tL6.   16.46mm/tL13 19.75mm/tL4 16.75mm/tL4
April 8-14 . 21.14mm/tL14 19.58mm/tL17 19.19mm/tL31 19.66mm/tL9. 17.11mm/tL9. 18.27mm/tL59 19.11mm/tL16 15.00mm/tL3     19.71mm/tL7
April 15-21 . 20.45mm/tL10 20.78mm/tL18 19.78mm/tL53 23.20mm/tL5. 18.34mm/tL34 18.62mm/tL22 20.66mm/tL8.   18.26mm/tL20 18.00mm/tL1  
April 22-29 . 23.32mm/tL25 18.74mm/tL53 19.97mm/tL39 18.77mm/tL9. 18.61mm/tL25 20.20mm/tL36 .   18.83mm/tL6* 21.66mm/tL3 21.27mm/tL11
April 30-May 6 . 22.95mm/tL20 23.20mm/tL5. 21.87mm/tL8. 20.95mm/tL22 19.85mm/tL16 21.87mm/tL21 . 17.66mm/tL15 . 19.75mm/tL4 21.10mm/tL10
May 7-14 . 22.08mm/tL17 23.25mm/tL4. ..... 22.30mm/tL10 21.62mm/tL21 21.25mm/tL4. ..... 18.22mm/tL22 ..... 19.75mm/tL4 .21.33mm/tL30
May 15-22 . . 19.66mm/tL60 . . 21.71mmtL/8 . . 19.97mm/tL34 . . .
May 23-30 . . . . . . .   19.11mm/tL90 . .. .
. . .
Spring avg   22.21mm/tL89 20.92mm/tL116 19.58mm/tL228 20.45mm/tL66 19.52mm/tL103 19.53mm/tL169 N/A 17.99mm/tL83 N/A 19.35mm/tL44 N/A
 

The size data produced since 2010 has been remarkably consistant where sufficient data was collected, showing a variation of just 1.40mm. 2021 and 2022 data is currently not included in this. Breaking the data down further, the average size variation in three of the years since (2011, 2013 and 2014) showed variation as little as 0.06mm. If we exclude the 2009 size data on the basis of being unusually large, then an average larval size at this site would be approximately 20.00mm. The relative consistant larval sizes suggests that variations in rainfall and temperature between November and March in any year, actually had no influence on larval size.
 
The Nottinghamshire Glow Worm Survey
Beetles
Insects
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