Conservation Projects
We’re passionate about conservation here at Askham Bryan; particularly when it comes to native UK species in need. Here are a few of the projects that we’re actively involved with behind the scenes.
Glutinous snail, courtesy of BIAZA
Glutinous Snails
The glutinous snail (Myxas glutinosa) is Europe’s rarest freshwater mollusc, currently surviving in the wild in the UK at just one location: Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) in Wales. We have teamed up with BIAZA and a network of other zoos and wildlife parks across the UK to form the Glutinous Snail Taskforce that’s dedicated to the breeding and research of this delicate species, with the hope of repopulating our lakes someday.
Medicinal leech. Copyright Neil Phillips
Medicinal leeches
Millions of medicinal leeches were harvested in the 18th and 19th centuries for medicinal bloodletting. As a result, this species are now classified as Near Threatened in the wild with isolated populations at just a few fragmented sites in England, Wales and Scotland. Askham Bryan is part of a small group of zoos that, in conjunction with the Freshwater Habitats Trust, hold ark populations of leeches with the aim of learning more about their specific habitat requirements for breeding so that we can provide a genetic safety net for this species on the edge.
Tansy Beetles
Also known as “The Jewel of York”, these stunning little guys are particularly native to this area, and are sadly on the brink of extinction. Being very active members of the Tansy Beetle Action Group, we have two breeding sites crammed with tansy plants to encourage the beetles to breed, as well as encouraging a culture shift with local landowners to allow the essential plants to proliferate and give these little guys the chance to bounce back!
Dung Beetles
It’s not the most glamourous job, but they play an essential role in cleaning up the countryside. Askham Bryan is part of a multi-zoo 5 year project with member from the Small Zoos Network, and involving our students to survey our large herbivore paddocks, thereby safeguarding populations with measurable outcomes
Pollinator Project
A grassroots project undertaken by our FE students which involved creating 10 beds of plants specifically researched and planted to encourage 10 different species of butterfly to the park. Each bed included plants covering all life stages for each species. This venture was awarded runner-up in the BIAZA Great British Restoration Project as voted for my Member of Parliament.
iNaturalist
We take part in the surveying of native species found on site at the Wildlife & Conservation park using the iNaturalist app. We recorded 6287 animal observations of 945 different species! You can get involved too as it’s a great way of logging the animals that you see wherever you are in the UK!
Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation
This excellent cause in South Africa is dedicated to removing animal snares, protecting the wildlife of Phalaborwa and the surrounding areas. Askham Bryan donated to this cause, and acquired some real snares to place a trail of them around the park, creating visitor engagement with this essential work.
Lemur Rescue Center
We’re partnering with the Lemur Rescue Center in Madagascar to raise money for their essential work by selling items made by local Madagascans in our Wildlife Park shop.j
