Powys is one of the most biodiverse counties in Great Britain and its status is celebrated on a new interactive map published by a holiday letting firm.
The county has 12,671 distinct species, according to Holidaycottages.co.uk which has used data from the National Biodiversity Network Atlas to produce its chart.
The only areas to ranks above Powys are the Scottish Highlands, followed by near neighbours Gwynedd and Shropshire.
"To celebrate Great Britain’s biodiversity and encourage more people to go out and experience the natural world, the team at Holidaycottages.co.uk reveal the number of distinct species, from mammals and birds, to insects and mushrooms, in an interactive map," said a spokesperson for the holiday letting firm.
"Just how biodiverse is your area? Now it’s easy to search via our map and see just how many different species of mammals, birds, fish, plants, and more can be found in any area of Great Britain. Simply type in your area and if you want to see all species or a specific one, for example, mushrooms and fungi.
"Bird lovers will want to visit North Norfolk as it has the highest number of different species (434) than any other. If you’re trying to avoid insects and creepy crawlies, you’ll love the City of London with only 49 different species, but arachnophobes beware, East Cambridgeshire has the most insect and arachnid species with 7,611. A trip to the Highlands is recommended for those wanting to see the most varied plants (2,956) and mammal (67) species in Great Britain."
The interactive map can be found at: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/biodiversity-in-britain/
It shows Powys has 12,671 distinct species (4th), including: Mammals - 54 (13th); birds - 307 (25th); fish and crustaceans - 286 (58th); insects and arachnids - 6,761 (5th); plants - 2,298 (5th); mushrooms and fungi - 2722 (10th) and bacteria - 138 (15th)
The 2019 State of Nature report shows the UK’s biodiversity is declining and 15 per cent of species are threatened from extinction, but what can we do to help? Here are some tips from Holidaycottages.co.uk on what you can do to give mother nature a helping hand:
Leave nature as you found it: Stick to designated paths in areas where your footsteps might erode or destroy important habitats, and don’t collect natural souvenirs without careful consideration of how it might affect wildlife!
Think about what you pack: Avoid single-use plastic like water bottles and take a reusable shopping bag, whether it’s to local markets or windswept hilltop picnics.
Take public transport where possible: You’ll help carbon emissions and reduce the environmental damage caused by vehicles on delicate thoroughfares by taking a bus or a train to the nature spot.
Walk: When you’ve got to your destination, stretch those legs! As long as you’re respectful of animals and their habitats, the best way to enjoy Mother Nature is up close.
Go local: By consuming local products you’ll save on the carbon emissions and packaging waste created by long-haul transportation.
Support can be a souvenir: Many beauty spots are maintained and protected by charitable bodies like The National Trust. A small donation or show of support will help preserve the local fauna and flora.
Shannon Keary from Holidaycottages.co.uk had this to say: “We’re becoming increasingly aware of the environment and our impact on biodiversity. At Holidaycottages.co.uk we want to encourage people to explore and enjoy what mother nature has given us in different areas of Great Britain, whilst doing their bit to preserve the local wildlife for future generations to come."
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