A couple of years ago we gained new neighbours to the north of our site. A rough area previously let for grazing has now been leased by the Butterfly Conservation and in 2012 we made contact with our new neighbours 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
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 the Fritillary 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.
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
Page last updated 2018/09/10/13:00 by Martin R
