Rare Sussex spiders foundat Northiam’s Great Dixter

Since 2012, with help from the British Arachnological Society, 142 species of spiders have been identified around the grounds and in the house at Great Dixter.

Among the noteworthy species found at Great Dixter are Meioneta mollis which is listed as nationally endangered and is protected with a Biodiversity Action Plan, and two species newly sighted in Sussex, the Nigma awalenaeri and Sydera gracilis which is a very uncommon species.

Great Dixter has embarked on a wide-ranging gathering of data on the biodiversity of the whole estate.

This includes bumblebee surveys, with two rare species recently identified, butterfly surveys as part of the National Butterfly survey, on-going moth counts, and the collection of data on other species such as solitary bees has just started.

People can learn more about spiders at Great Dixter when Evan Jones gives a free, illustrated talk in the property’s Education Centre at 2.30pm on Saturday November 16.

He will show spiders in a new light giving practical tips on how to find and identify spiders and the role they play in our ecosystem.

To book a place at the talk contact [email protected] or telephone 01797 254045.