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The state of Shropshire butterflies

Photo by Stephen Lewis

With the Big Butterfly Count taking place between 15th July and 7th August, we asked Butterfly Conservation volunteer Stephen Lewis to give an idea of the current state of our local butterfly numbers and efforts to save them.

The importance of numbers

An essential element of any conservation work is to keep a constant log of the effectiveness of projects or land management practices to make sure they are improving things for wildlife.

In Shropshire, there are over 20 local species recording groups dedicated to collecting data and surveying a diverse array of species, including bees, reptiles, beetles, birds and mammals. Those groups collect data that will eventually be used in determining where our wildlife lives, which means that more effort can be made to protect it. Occasionally, national schemes, or citizen science projects are organised in a mass gathering of data - the Big Garden Birdwatch being a well-known example. In the summer, the Big Butterfly Count takes place to allow experts to review the current number and varieties of butterflies from all corners of the UK. Why? Because by knowing how fast some species are declining, we can act quicker to reverse the decline and identify where more effort can be made to stop some species disappearing completely.

Stephen Lewis writes:

Early spring data in 2022 on butterflies throughout the UK showed around average counts, with good numbers of Holly Blue and Orange-tip, but since then through late May and early June numbers have been well down on averages over the last decade.

Small Copper

Small copper by S Lewis

So, far few butterflies such as the Small Copper have been seen. It is a bit too early to say how more common garden species such as Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock are faring this summer, although on a personal note I am now seeing fewer butterflies than normal in my garden.

Silver-studded blue

Silver-studded blue by S Lewis

Myself and another Butterfly Conservation volunteer, Nigel Ball, do regular butterfly counts at Prees Heath Common near Whitchurch. This reserve provides the last remaining sanctuary for the Silver-studded Blue in the Midlands, and this year, as in the last few years, numbers have been excellent with hundreds on the wing. Their flight season will soon be coming to an end so do visit before the end of July if you want to see them – it is one of the best wildlife sights in the county.

Wood whites

Wood whites by S Lewis

Butterfly Conservation’s West Midlands Branch is very active in Shropshire. Recent projects have focused on the Wood White, a beautiful fluttery butterfly has a national stronghold in woodland in the south of the county. It has had a good showing so far this year, with a second brood due in August. Bury Ditches is a good site to find it, but it can be a challenge to separate it from other white butterflies.

We have also been involved in the Stepping Stones and Our Common Cause projects in South Shropshire, creating and improving habitat for species such as the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, which has had another good year in Shropshire.

Gardens are being highlighted as a tremendously important resource for butterflies and other insects. Butterfly Conservation has launched a special website www.gardenbutterflysurvey.org where you can submit your sightings and learn more about how best to encourage butterflies in your garden or community patch.

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