This report presents the first comprehensive review and evaluation of the saproxylic (wood-decay) invertebrate assemblage of Birklands and Bilhaugh SSSI and Birklands West and Ollerton Corner SSSI in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Together these are recognised as one of the most significant localities for this fauna in Britain.
This review of past and current survey data was required to validate and support the assessment of the condition of the assemblages undertaken using the Common Standards Monitoring approach.
It looks for any apparent decline or significant changes to the species composition of the assemblage of special interest and the overall quality of the fauna over time. It also evaluates the wood-decay fauna of these SSSIs against other UK sites and places the assemblages in their national context.
The findings of the review will be used to consider the implications for future conservation management of the SSSIs and National Nature Reserve.