​To date we have identified over 1300 species in our network of planted woodlands, with the total species for each group shown in the image below. 

​To understand what shapes woodland wildlife, we looked at two things: what does the surrounding landscape look like, and what is happening inside each woodland.

In the surrounding landscape, we mapped what lies beyond each woodland - other habitats, farmland, urban areas and water - at a range of distances, from close neighbours to features several kilometres away. We also measured how well-connected each woodland is to others nearby, since wildlife depends on being able to move through the landscape to colonise new areas.

Inside the woodland, we recorded the variety, density and size of trees, measured canopy cover and how dense the undergrowth is - all factors that may influence which species can survive and establish once they have reached a site.
Together, these measurements allow us to identify which factors most influence how quickly and successfully wildlife moves into new woodland.

We have tried to survey for as many taxonomic groups We have surveyed for species exhibiting a wide range of habitat specificity, dispersal abilities, matrix (non-wooded habitat) sensitivity and other traits of woodland-dependent species, both above and below ground. Surveying techniques have ranged from the traditional (e.g. a pair of binoculars to survey for birds) to the more modern (e.g. acoustic detectors, eDNA surveys). We have also used a variety of processing methods including both manual and automated species ID and metabarcoding.  

Surveying plant and animals in WrEN sites. Clockwise from top left: ground flora, bat detector, malaise trap for flying invertebrates, bird surveys, camera trapping, moth trapping, pitfall traps, live small mammal traps (they were all released!)