The ants need regular bursts of constant
heat |
Wildlife
experts have created special areas where a rare species of ant can
relax and sunbathe.
Parts of a County Durham forest are being altered so the
threatened northern hairy wood ant can bask in the sunshine.
The Forestry Commission has created 20 suntraps so the ant -
Britain's largest - can "catch some rays".
The warmth-loving ant has its own bio-diversity plan and is
struggling to survive in the North East.
Areas of the 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland
in County Durham, have been slightly changed to create south-facing
alcoves.
'Healthy population'
The areas have been cleared of fast-growing conifers so the
animals can access direct sunlight.
Forester Mark Herbertson said: "Wood ants need to keep nests at a
stable temperature and restoring their view of the sun will allow
them to build bigger nests and maintain a healthy population.
"The work will produce a real dividend for the ants."
The sun traps were suggested by ex-forester Gordon Simpson, of
West Auckland, who now works for the Forestry Commission as a
wildlife consultant.
He said: "Wood ants have an important part to play in a healthy
environment.
"They are impressive insects, up to a centimetre long, with black
and red markings. The fact that they are restricted to just a
handful of locations in the north-east of England makes Hamsterley's
colony very precious."
Wood ants live in colonies which can number up to 500,000.
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