Butterfly conservation

Butterfly conservation work

The High Brown Fritillary butterfly is a extremely rare (it has declined in numbers by 90% since the 1970’s) so we are very proud that Silverglades is one of the very few places that this butterfly survives. They are found on limestone pavements where violets grow beneath the cracks. Silverglades has some beautiful limestone pavements that attract these gorgeous butterflies so look out for its’ distinctive brown spots and silver spangles.

A couple of years ago we gained new neighbours the Butterfly Conservation to the north of our site. A rough area previously let for grazing has been leased by BC and in 2012 we made contact with them to discuss matters of mutual interest. The Butterfly Conservation has obtained a Woodlands Improvement Grant from the Forestry Commission which enabled them to clear and open up glades on their site and to coppice areas of long neglected hazel. As we also have large areas of neglected hazel we are able to learn from them and early in 2013, in collaboration with our neighbours, we are started a 4 year program of woodland improvement which will lead to increased areas for the butterflies whilst opening up additional woodland walks for us. Although contractors will be employed for a short period, most of the work will be voluntary so anyone with a secret desire to hone their woodland skills whilst enjoying naturism would be welcome to give us a visit

Deer fencing has been erected around three small areas, two on the borders and one central. A large percentage of the tree felling is now complete but we still have a lot of timber to clear so it’s going to give us something to do over the summer months! The changes so far are impressive to say the least! The increased light at ground level will help thicken up the low level shrubbery (rather spindly at present as there has been little light for some time), increasing our privacy and allowing us to use the new areas. We can see this becoming a real asset to our club

Click here to download the Butterfly Conservation High Brown Fritillary information sheet – pdf document

Myers Allotment

Myers Allotment is Butterfly Conservation’s 7-hectare site close to Silverglades

This fine example of Morecambe Bay’s wildlife-rich limestone habitats supports many threatened species. It has excellent limestone pavement, flowery grassland and views over Leighton Moss.

Butterflies – Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Purple Hairstreak, Northern Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Wall, Grayling, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Ringlet.

Butterflies to look out for at Silverglades

High Brown Fritillary		Holly Blue
Small Skipper		Small Tortoiseshell
Large Skipper		Peacock
Dingy Skipper		Comma
Brimstone		Speckled Wood
Large White		Wall
Small White		Grayling
Green-veined White		Gatekeeper
Orange-tip		Meadow Brown
Purple Hairstreak		Small Heath
Northern Brown Argus		Ringlet
Common Blue