Clouds of Life: Insect Resurgence at Castle Wild Camp

We've been experiencing massive clouds of insects - dancing, feeding, mating - drifted over one of our rewilding fields. It's the kind of sight that has become all too rare in much of the British countryside.

Only a few years ago, this field was a monoculture of maize, cropped and bare for much of the year. Since then, we’ve left it entirely to its own devices, letting nature decide what grows. The results have been extraordinary.

A Return of Plant Diversity

In just a short time, we’ve recorded 70 plant species returning of their own accord - from delicate meadow buttercup and oxeye daisy to clovers, vetches, and orchids. Each species brings its own role in the ecosystem, supporting different insects, from pollinators to seed-feeders, and creating a patchwork of habitats for other wildlife.

Insects in Abundance

The sheer number of insects is a powerful reminder of how quickly nature can bounce back when given the space and time. Hoverflies, beeds, beetles, moths and clouds of midges fill the air. This abundance feeds a wide range of other species - from bats hunting at dusk to swallows skimming low over the field, and even the hedgehogs rustling through the margins in search of beetles and caterpillars.

Birdlife Following the Food

As the insect population has grown, so has our birdlife. Whitethroats, for example, have taken up nesting spots in the centres of our rewilding fields where brambles have begun to form small thickets (they will grow into towering thickets over time!), using the cover to raise their young and the insect-rich grassland as a ready-made larder. Other species are following suit, turning the area into a lively hub of activity through spring and summer.

From Monoculture to Mosaic

The transformation of our site is a clear example of what can happen when land is allowed to recover from intensive agriculture. By stepping back, we’ve gone from a single-crop landscape to a diverse, dynamic mosaic of plants, insects, birds, and mammals. This approach requires little intervention, yet the rewards - in biodiversity and beauty - are immense.

Looking Ahead

In a time when insect declines are making headlines, the sight of those August clouds offers hope. They show that, even on a small scale, changes in land management can trigger a cascade of positive effects across the food web....