Ben Jackson

A 50-hour wildlife recording event at Rutland Water Nature Reserve identified 22 species not previously recorded there, including the nationally scarce dimpled marsh beetle, a giant willow sawfly and five moth species. The event recorded 937 species, bringing the reserve’s total over its 50-year history to 4,836. Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said the findings demonstrate the benefits of increasingly diverse habitats, while experts highlighted the importance of protecting open spaces amid landscape fragmentation and a warming climate.

Anthony Lamb, former manager of The Big Difference arts venue in Leicester, has launched a crowdfunded bid to take over the site after it was repossessed due to the parent charity’s financial difficulties. His campaign has raised over £16,000, enabling plans for reopening the venue under a new name, Forum Porcorum, by the end of the year. Staff previously found a repossession notice citing unpaid rent and insurance, while the Big Difference Company faces ongoing cashflow issues and unpaid performers. Lamb is in discussions with the property owners and aims to improve the venue as part of the takeover.