In May 2025, we funded an extensive invertebrate survey at Make it Wild’s nature reserves in Yorkshire. The results are now in – and they paint a remarkable picture of biodiversity at Low Wood, Smelthouses.
Britain is home to around 35,000 terrestrial invertebrate species, including beetles, flies, bees, wasps, spiders and bugs. Approximately one‑third have their ecologies and habitat needs coded against them, creating a rich dataset that helps build a deeper understanding of a site’s ecological value.
Low Wood, Smelthouses is a 32-hectare landholding within the Nidderdale National Landscape. It’s located next to Brimham Rocks and has been recognised as national important for its geology and habitats. Between May and August 2025, a specialist entomologist surveyed six habitat compartments — uncovering an impressive 507 species, including:
• 66 spider species
• 160 beetle species
• 165 fly species
• 76 bug species
• 9 species with recognised conservation status
The study highlighted how the site’s grassland and woodland habitats significantly contribute to its biodiversity value. However, there is still room for more conservation to improve the diversity on the site. Recommendations for future enhancement include protecting and expanding wet grassland, increasing woodland structural diversity, and creating ponds and deadwood, building on recent work already supported by colleagues in Mills & Reeve’s Leeds office.
Jessica Wilkes‑Ball, head of sustainability and net zero at Mills & Reeve, said:
“These findings underline the importance of long‑term investment in biodiversity and habitat restoration. We’re proud to support Make it Wild in their mission to protect and enhance nature-rich sites like Smelthouses. Surveys like this give us invaluable insight and help shape meaningful action that benefits wildlife, landscapes and future generations. We look forward to our continued partnership with them.”
Helen Neave, co-founder and director at Make it Wild, added:
“While the survey identified more than 500 species across Smelthouses, it also highlights the real opportunity we have to further enrich the site’s biodiversity. Establishing this strong baseline is an exciting starting point, as the interventions we’re planning with support from Mills & Reeve should make a meaningful difference. We’re looking forward to building on these findings and helping nature recover through the next phase of conservation work.”
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