Biodiversity

"Biodiversity encompasses the variation of all living things – plants, animals, insects – and all the places they are found." (NERC, 2009)

The variety of life-forms at all levels within a given environment is often used as an indication of the health of biological systems.  A higher level of biodiversity is desirable.

Biodiversity is essential for survival although globally we are dependent on very few species as a food source.  This places increasing pressure on the natural environment from industrial development and intensive agriculture.  It is essential that we preserve the variety of life-forms in our environment for future generations.

Garlaff

Garlaff landfill site provides a surprisingly wide range of habitats for wildlife and plants, with some species actively thriving.  Large areas of the site have remained relatively undisturbed for years, allowing species to settle and develop without interruption.  The site also acts as a safe haven for endangered species and for migratory species looking to breed in the summer season, overwinter or simply passing through.

The variety of species found at Garlaff cover a wide spectrum of life forms from lower level plants such as lichens and liverworts through to high level predatory species of birds and mammals.  This indicates a healthy level of biodiversity within the site presenting a varied range of food sources – seeds, berries, plants, insects and the like.

Species found at Garlaff

The following lists contain species identified at Garlaff.  Whilst many of these species are relatively common, the variety of species present on the site indicates a healthy biodiversity and a wide range of habitats.  Some of the species identified feature on the European Red List and are protected species.

Lists have been arranged alphabetically for convenience.  These lists are not complete and there will be many species not yet identified.