There was a flutter of success at the RHS Spring Show last weekend as Malvern's butterflies were brought to life.
West Midlands Butterfly Conservation (WMBC), the local branch of Butterfly Conservation, put on a superb display of information and wowed show visitors with their enthusiasm and knowledge. With butterfly friendly plants, a multitude of leaflets and publications about local species, and a team of passionate volunteers the stall attracted the attention of passersby.
The Hills are particularly important in the conservation of butterflies as the Malverns are home to Worcestershire's rarest butterfly - the grayling.
On the Malverns, the grayling butterfly has seen a promising increase in population numbers following 3 years of habitat work on North Hill. Conservation throughout the winter to clear bramble, bracken and trees from rocky outcrops has provided more suitable habitat for this rare species.
Beck Baker, Community and Conservation Officer, said 'We'd like to give huge thanks to all the volunteers who have been involved in conserving butterflies in and around the Malverns.
A huge range of activities have been supported by people willing to give their spare time, whether that's to help out with practical conservation works, to lead butterfly walks, or to help provide leaflets and publications for the wider public. The butterflies of the Malverns will surely benefit in years to come.'
Within Worcestershire, the grayling is only found on the Malvern Hills and is usually a coastal species where rocky outcrops are more likely to be found. Further work to expand the areas of suitable habitat will take place this winter. If you'd like to get involved in helping this beautiful butterfly, or with other butterfly conservation activities please contact Mel Mason (WMBC) mbg.records[at]btinternet.com.
Butterfly Spotting
The warmer sunny weather is bringing out the butterflies so if you'd like to find out more about the species you've seen, why not pick up a free leaflet 'Butterflies around the Malvern Hills'. You can pick up a copy, featuring 33 species of butterfly and day-flying moth from the Malvern Hills Trust office or the Tourist Information Centre in Malvern.
