Butterflies need you!

Are you interested in Butterflies? Do you want to learn more about them and help us discover what’s found where on The Lizard? Read on to find out how you can get involved.

Marsh Fritillary

The Lizard is a good place for butterflies, with Marsh Fritillary being our greatest star. This beautiful insect was once widespread in the UK, but has declined rapidly, making its Lizard colonies all the more important. It’s not our only fritillary though, with small pearl bordered fritillary found on the coastal heaths and you may be lucky enough to see the surprising large silver washed fritillary visiting a buddleia in late summer.
 And there’s a whole host of other species on The Lizard to spot, from commas to speckled woods, and blues to peacocks.

Peacock

If you want to learn more, why not sign up for Butterfly Conservation’s free event at Windmill Farm on Saturday 6^th June. It will be a fascinating day learning basic butterfly recognition, their food plants and spotting techniques with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation enthusiasts. In the afternoon you will get the chance to put these new skills into practice, and you may even spot a rarity! To book contact Jo Poland 07800 548832 

We’re keen to find local volunteers to help us do more butterfly recording on the Lizard, by undertaking a regular walk and sending in your sightings. You don’t need to be a ready made expert! Enthusiasm is the main requirement, and an ability to commit to doing the same walk on a sunny day (between 10am and 5pm) once a week April to September (although it is a job that can be shared). Data from these regular transects contribute to the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, and are vital to science’s understanding of long term trends. Could you help us find out more? Currently there are few transects on the Lizard, with some fine butterfly sites, like Windmill Farm and Kynance which would really benefit from closer monitoring. Do get in touch (Rachel Holder 01326 291174) if you are interested and would like to find out more. We'd love to hear from you!

Speckled Wood

Rachel