Saproxylic Insect Survey of the Virginia Water and Bishopsgate areas of Windsor Park, 2002-2003 (ENRR514)

This report is an account of an investigation of the old trees in the Valley Gardens area of Windsor Park with the aim of discovering further sites for the violet click-beetle Limoniscus violaceus.The advice of Mr E.E.Green was sought concerning the precise areas to be searched and it was he who recommended the woods around Virginia Water and Bishopsgate. The search was to be part of a several year investigation aimed at assessing the range and status of the Limoniscus in Britain. In this search, the writer has visited many areas of southern England where concentrations of old ash and beech trees are known to exist. These localities were recommended by English Nature staff at Peterborough and by local staff in the regions visited.