When I took the job as gardener at the Priory one of my primary aims was to help sustain the rich wildlife in the gardens and, if possible, to attract even more.
And like most people, I was particularly keen to attract as many butterflies as possible.
and introduced me to a new species last August – the Clouded Yellow.
and Meadow Browns for example (though this one is on Allium christophii).
So when Becky at Butterfly Conservation asked me whether I would help advertise their special membership offer, I was only too happy to agree.
Butterfly Conservation raises awareness of the drastic decline in butterflies and moths, and creates widespread acceptance that action needs to be taken. They have recently published a butterfly report showing that three-quarters of butterflies in the UK have declined and over 45% are threatened. And a similar report on moths shows that numbers of common moths has declined by one-third since 1968 and 71 species are threatened.
They are probably the largest insect conservation organisation in the world, with a growing membership of almost 20,000. Their president is Sir David Attenborough.
As part of their new membership drive they are offering a free gardening book – which isn't available anywhere else.
In addition, the first 100 people to join during April will receive a packet of free seeds to help attract butterflies and moths (either cornflowers, pot marigolds or phlox – but no choice as to which, I'm afraid) AND, if you join by direct debit, half price membership.
I've joined* as I want to increase my understanding and identification of butterflies and moths, learn how to encourage yet more to the Priory gardens and help aid their conservation.
They certainly do need our help.
* My annual single membership costs just £1.25 per month under the half price offer.
(All of the above photos were taken at the Priory – except the book cover obviously – but for one reason or another haven't been used before. I think).
I had trouble getting this post at the time, but have come via your post about your walk.
I too have been planting for butterflies and also planting for the caterpillars food which I feel is just as important if we want the butterflies to stay in our gardens. Super photos.
I would love to "read more of this post", but the link doesn't appear to be working.
I am sure there are a lot more plants I could introduce to my garden to bring more butterflies in – the book sounds like a good way to start.
I really enjoyed seeing your butterfly pictures, especially the Clouded Yellow on the Verbena. I get very few butterflies in my Aberdeen garden although I try to grow plants they like. We do get loads of bees though so must be doing something right.
Well the year before last I had three butterflies that stayed for a few weeks on my erysimum, but last year only a fleeting glimpse. I think it is the weather up here, but so far we have had a good spring, so here's hoping.
Looking forward to reading about your recent rambles.