DNA survey of invertebrates in hedges at Wet Meadow
For the Climate Day of Action on the 6th of September 2025, the eDNA (environmental DNA) Consultancy and local participants trialed the terrestrial eDNA roller method on two hedges at Trellech Wet Meadow. One sample was taken from an older established hedgerow and the second from a relatively newly planted hedge. Each sample was analysed at the eDNA Consultancy’s laboratory, DNA extracted, and the invertebrate DNA sequenced to identify the community present. Data from the older hedge sample yielded a much richer invertebrate community: 126 OTUs (operational taxonomic unit) in total, of which 84 identified to species, 28 to genus and 14 to family. By contrast, the new hedge yielded nine OTUs, of which six were identified to species and three to genus. As only one sample was collected from each hedge, and both samples were collected by different attendees, the comparative data is in itself interesting but not statistically robust.
The dataset revealed 99 unique genera detected from the older hedge and seven unique genera in the new hedge, with 101 genera detected overall. Highlighting the new roller method was successful in collecting eDNA from a broad range of invertebrates. Species of note: Chafers (Scarabaeidae) - The garden chafer Phyllopertha horticola was detected in both hedge samples, demonstrating that the roller method is effective for this group and could be used to detect the noble and variable chafers, both UK Priority species. Click beetles (Elateridae): The presence of Athous bicolor and Agrypnus murinus indicates that the method can detect click beetles and could be suitable for monitoring other elaterid species of conservation concern. Rove beetles (Stenus spp.): Detection of Stenus nitidiusculus suggests the method could also capture eDNA from the UK Priority species Stenus longitarsis and Stenus palposus. Stoneflies (Brachyptera spp.): The detection of Brachyptera confirms that stonefly eDNA, including UK Priority species within this genus, can be detected using this approach. Pug moths (Eupithecia spp.): Eupithecia DNA was recovered, showing that the method can detect moth taxa containing several UK Priority species.