SEVEN species of bees were among the wildlife recorded during a recent Bioblitz event at Ardrossan Castle, it has been revealed.

The records have been released for The Quest for Castle Critters, which took place back in April. Garnock Connections organised the day of activities to discover the castle’s stories and the wildlife surrounding it.

Over 170 members of the public joined the Bioblitz in helping to record the flora and fauna of the castle and beach area. A total of 156 species were recorded, including numerous types of birds, plants, crustaceans, molluscs, fish and insects.

Among the 21 species of birds spotted were oyster catchers, a cormorant, wrens, gulls, crows and more. Other finds included crabs, a starfish, gobies, bees, moths, butterflies and a wide variety of flowering plants.

Elouise Cartner, wildlife recording assistant at Garnock Connections, said: “We found seven different species of bee which was pleasantly surprising.

“We had 12 organisations in attendance which was fantastic. We counted 175 members of the public in attendance for the event and they recorded 156 species (over 254 records) which was a fantastic effort by all.”

The organisations involved in the Bioblitz were: Garnock Connections, South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre, Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society, North Ayrshire Council Ranger Service, Scottish Wildlife Trust, East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative, Historic Environment Scotland, Marine Conservation Society, Rob Walsh, Freelance Marine Ecologist, Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre, Northlight Heritage, SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College).

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