Wildlife is thriving at Cambridgeshire estate with more than 5,000 species discovered
Rare bats, butterflies and birds are among thousands of species thriving at Wimpole Estate, despite increasingly dry conditions.
Last updated 21st Oct 2026
More than 5,000 species of wildlife have been recorded at the National Trust's Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire.
The charity says the milestone of 5,242 species is particularly significant given the county is one of England's driest and most nature-depleted areas.
Rare barbastelle bats, great crested newts, corn buntings and hundreds of wildflowers are among the species found across the 2,500-acre estate.
The discovery comes as the National Trust marks 50 years of caring for Wimpole, where conservation work has helped restore woodlands, wetlands and grasslands alongside a working organic farm.
Since 2021, around 125,000 trees have been planted, creating new habitats for wildlife.
David Hassall, general manager at Wimpole, said: "What makes Wimpole special is the abundance of wildlife people can experience here."
He added that the results show nature can flourish alongside farming, tourism and heritage conservation.
The National Trust hopes the estate's success will demonstrate how restoring habitats can help wildlife recover despite the growing challenges of climate change.