Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is calling on people in Somerton and Langport to help them secure the future of a globally endangered butterfly.
The Large Blue butterfly became extinct in the UK in 1979, but after a successful reintroduction in the 1980’s, The Polden Hills near Yeovil now support around 80% of the British population.
Much of this is down to efforts to create and maintain the right habitat for the butterfly, which remains highly threatened because of its complex life-cycle and dependence on a certain species of red ant.
Butterfly Conservation, supported by funding from Biffa Award, has been working in partnership with the J&F Clark Trust, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and South Somerset District Council to ensure each Large Blue site is well looked after - and as a result, butterfly numbers were higher than ever this summer – but more volunteers are needed.
Project Officer for Butterfly Conservation, Rachel Jones, said: “We are calling for groups or individuals to help us with practical management tasks, like tidying up the bramble bushes and cutting back overgrown gorse. If you are already part of a rambling or gardening group, or are looking for a team day out with your colleagues, this could be the perfect day out, so please get in touch to find out how to get involved.
“All tools and training are provided, along with tea, coffee and cake. The work is physical but you can work at your own pace and you will be rewarded with good views over a beautiful landscape. If you are not part of a group but are still interested in helping us, we hold regular work parties between October and February that you can join too.”
Find out more, please contact Rachel Jones by emailing @email) or telephone (01929 406018).
The Large Blue butterfly can be seen on the wing next June and July at sites like the National Trust Reserve, Collard Hill. You can tell the butterfly apart from other blue species by the broad black borders visible on its upper wings, along with four to six black spots on the forewing. The undersides vary in colour from silver to fawn, with further black spots and a dusting of bright turquoise can be seen close to the body. Unlike other blue butterflies of similar size, no orange colour is present on the underwings.