WOODLAND BUTTERFLY PROJECT SUCCESS

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, with a grant of £4,200 from Carillion plc’s ‘Natural Habitat Fund’ have successfully completed a project to improve the habitat at Ryton Wood, near Princethorpe, for the rare wood white butterfly. 

The project titled ‘Lavishing Conservation Care on the Lady of the Woods’; named after the wood white butterfly which has one of the most delicate flight patterns of any British butterfly.  The species has a UK Biodiversity Action Plan status as a Species of Conservation Concern.

The grant has enabled Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to enhance the ride and open space network within the wood to benefit the butterfly which thrives in these grassy areas.  The project has received a great deal of input from Carillion plc employees.  76 new employees attended an event last August where 1100 greater Bird’s foot trefoil plants were planted upon which the butterfly can lay its eggs and the larvae feed.

The project has also seen considerable input from the public and from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust employees.  Work parties have been held every Sunday throughout the winter, and last October saw a hugely successful open day at Ryton Wood where exhibits include timber extraction by ‘Ella’ the heavy horse, charcoal making, trees surgery demonstrations and wood carving with a chainsaw.  This event was the first of it kind and was considered a great success and attended by nearly 400 people.

Eddie Asbery, Woodland Project Officer at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust says, “We are over the moon with the outcomes of the project.  Not only has this delicate and rare butterfly been giving a fighting chance, but we have massive input from the public and Carillion employees and been able to put on a fantastic and unusual open day that was very well received.”

Louise Rhydderch, Carillion’s Sustainability Programme Manager said “We are delighted to have supported Warwickshire Wildlife Trust both financially and using the skills of our people.  We have a strong record in sustainability activities and we consider it extremely important to enhance the natural environments in which we work.”

With grant funding allowing spending on hand tools, the work for the butterfly will continue at the end of this summer and in to next winter.  Please contact Eddie Asbery if you wish to become involved in our work to manage Ryton Wood and our other 55 nature reserves.

ENDS

Press Contact: For further information and photographs, please contact

Eddie Asbery on 024 7630 8984

  Last updated 02 May, 2008