In This Video John Walters Discusses Meadow Butterflies Including Meadow Browns, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Marbled Whites, Small Tortoiseshell, Smal Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary.
When I was young the air above meadows seemed to be alive with butterflies. My grandfather told me there were far fewer than when he was a boy. And sadly our grandchildren will see even fewer. Unless, that is, we can increase the area of meadows, reduce pesticide use and pollution, and increase the number of plant species required by butterflies.
Though John discusses eight butterfly species in the video, there are of course many others. The browns, the blues, the orange tips … it sounds like a colourful array of aerial dwellers. And that is how it could be again if we can increase the meadows in the Sid Valley. And improve verge management.
Of course, it’s not just about the area. It’s also about management. Cutting at the right time of year. Not cutting too short, so that the grass and plants are tall enough to shelter the overwintering butterflies and clearing the “arisings” to reduce the nutrient levels and encourage wildflowers.
Lastly, though this is about butterflies, we also need to consider moths. Moths are the subject of a future post.
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