A pioneering conservation project to create an aerial network of rooftop habitats for Scotland’s butterflies will be getting off the ground in Edinburgh on 25 November 2016.

Glenmorangie’s headquarters along with The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood will lead the project in the capital providing new homes for Edinburgh’s once elusive butterfly, The Northern Brown Argus as well as other butterfly species.

A ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ is a partnership between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Butterfly Conservation Scotland. The aim of the joint project is to plant patches of common rock rose - the favourite food plants of the butterfly caterpillars - on green roofs surrounding Arthur’s Seat and further afield to encourage the existing population in the Royal Park to expand and colonise in the newly created habitats.

The Northern Brown Argus is Edinburgh’s butterfly. For years it existed on Arthur’s Seat with Scottish butterfly watchers in the 1700’s assuming it was just a slightly different version of the Brown Argus which it closely resembles. But in 1793, closer inspection revealed that it was a completely new species.

After its discovery the Northern Brown Argus became a highly prized addition for collectors. It disappeared by 1869 due to over-zealous collecting and land use changes at Holyrood, including the building of a road through the last remaining population strongholds of the species.

In 2005, the species was rediscovered at Holyrood and the population has continued to increase year on year.

Leonie Alexander, urban biodiversity project officer at RBGE, explained: “We are creating the network of green roofs across Edinburgh to encourage the population of Northern Brown Argus to expand into new areas. Green roofs are perfect because the butterfly is usually found living at height and these roofs will provide warmth, food and shelter in the city.

“We are also hoping to attract at least two other species, small copper butterflies and blue butterflies, by providing plants that caterpillars will feed on. The project will be closely monitored so we will know how successful it is and what species are attracted to the green roofs.’’

Anthony McCluskey, urban butterfly project officer with Butterfly Conservation Scotland, said: “It’s remarkable that this scarce species lives so close to the city. We’re excited to be welcoming Edinburgh’s butterfly back to the city centre, and hope that it inspires people to make more space for these beautiful creatures.

“Anyone can attract butterflies to their garden and you don’t need a green roof to do it, a simple window box full of nectar-rich plants can help butterflies on their way.’’

Ian Mackenzie, living landscape programmes manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Green roofs are launch pads for all kinds of butterflies and wildlife to make connections across the city. Using the ‘Square Metre for Butterflies’ project to boost these connections will show how we can build nature into our future plans.

“For the health and wellbeing of our city we need projects like this that put nature at its heart.”

Hamish Torrie, corporate social responsibility director for Glenmorangie commented: “Glenmorangie has a long-standing commitment to the natural environment across all of our sites and we are delighted to support this initiative.”

ENDS

For further information or images, please contact Sandra Donnelly on 0131 248 1037 / 07554115908 or Shauna Hay on 0131 248 2900 / 07824529028.

Editor’s Notes:

A Square Metre for Butterflies is a collaboration between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and Butterfly Conservation Scotland as part of their Urban Butterfly Project and is part of Edinburgh Living Landscape.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a leading international research organisation delivering knowledge, education and plant conservation action around the world. In Scotland its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract nearly a million visitors each year. It operates as a Non Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is “To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future”. www.rbge.org.uk

Butterfly Conservation is a UK charity, with more than 30,000 members including more than 1,500 in Scotland. We work closely with local communities, landowners, the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and other conservation partners to safeguard Scotland’s butterflies and moths and their habitats, by:

  • Advising landowners on managing land for butterflies and moths.
  • Carrying out surveys, monitoring and research on our most threatened species.
  • Training volunteers to enable them to take action for butterflies and moths.
  • Making recommendations to the Scottish Government on its environmental policies.
  • Encouraging everyone to cherish and enjoy butterflies and moths.

www.butterfly-conservation.org/scotland

Heritage Lottery Fund Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. www.hlf.org.uk  Follow us Facebook HLFScotland and Twitter @HLFScotland

Scottish Natural Heritage is funded by the Scottish Government. It aims to promote care for and improvement of the natural heritage, help people enjoy it responsibly, enable greater understanding and awareness of it and promote its sustainable use, now and for future generations. Visit: www.snh.gov.uk

The Glenmorangie Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt whisky.  Visit: www.theglenmorangiecompany.com