A once abundant butterfly which has experienced a worrying drop in numbers across the UK is making a recovery in Cornwall, Butterfly Conservation (BC) can reveal.
A recent report put out by the wildlife charity found that the Gatekeeper butterfly has declined by 44% across the country in the last decade, but in Cornwall, numbers have been increasing.
On Looe Island the butterfly more than doubled in abundance between 2013 and 2015 and on the Godolphin Estate near Helston, only 19 were recorded all year in 2013, but this jumped to 33 in 2014 and 72 butterflies were seen at Godolphin Warren last year.
Roger Hooper from BC’s Cornwall Branch said: “It was devastating to discover that 76% of all the UK’s butterflies have declined over the last 40 years, so it’s very welcome news to hear that this particular butterfly is actually on the increase here in Cornwall.
“In my opinion it’s down to all the tireless work put in by our volunteers and the fact that different organisations are willing to work together to manage and create habitat for these wonderful creatures.”
The Gatekeeper was once widespread across southern English counties and lowland Wales, wherever wild grasses and shrubs grow together. It can be seen on the wing between July and September and looks golden in flight, although at rest its upperwings are orange in colour with a grey-brown border. Each forewing has a large black eyespot, usually containing two white pupils.
The Gatekeeper is one of 42 butterfly species found in Cornwall and wildlife lovers across the county are being invited to Truro on Saturday 12 March to find out more about them and what they can do to help.
BC’s Cornwall Branch is inviting members of the public to attend their Annual General Meeting from 10.00 am at St. Erme Community Centre in Castle Field, Trispen, TR4 9BH.
One of the UK’s leading butterfly experts, Professor Jeremy Thomas, will be giving a talk at the event. Entry is £7 and includes lunch and all refreshments.