There are few better indicators of a healthy countryside than butterflies. Sensitive to changes in habitat, they tell us a great deal about the quality of the landscape around us and whether our conservation efforts are making a genuine difference.

That is why we were so delighted with the results of the latest butterfly survey carried out by Andy Bolton.

During a single visit to Tidgrove Estate, Andy recorded an astonishing 20 species of butterfly. This represents almost one third of Britain's butterfly species and is believed to be the highest number ever recorded on a single survey at Tidgrove. It is an encouraging milestone and reflects the steady progress being made as our grassland restoration projects continue to mature.

Among the highlights were sightings of the beautiful Brown Argus, Small Copper and Britain's smallest butterfly, the Small Blue, together with impressive numbers of Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, Small Skippers and Peacocks.

The survey also produced an exciting moth record. Andy found the nationally localised micro moth Sitochroa palealis, representing a new 10 kilometre square record. This species is closely associated with Wild Carrot, which now flourishes across Tidgrove's meadows. Its caterpillars feed within the flower heads, making this native wildflower an essential part of its life cycle. Often overlooked as simply another meadow plant, Wild Carrot is one of Britain's most valuable native wildflowers, supporting a remarkable diversity of butterflies, moths, bees and other pollinating insects.

Creating the Right Habitat

These results have not happened by chance.

Over recent years we have been working to restore species rich grassland across the estate, creating habitats that support wildlife throughout the year. This includes reducing unnecessary mowing, establishing sunny meadow margins and encouraging native wildflowers to flower naturally and set seed.

Rather than planting wildflowers simply for their appearance, we have focused on species that provide genuine ecological value.

Kidney Vetch, for example, is the sole larval foodplant of the Small Blue butterfly, while Wild Carrot, Knapweed, Field Scabious, Devil's Bit Scabious, Wild Marjoram, Red Clover and Oxeye Daisy all provide abundant nectar for butterflies, bees and hoverflies.

We have also been introducing Horseshoe Vetch, one of the defining plants of Britain's chalk grasslands and the sole larval foodplant of both the Chalkhill Blue and Adonis Blue butterflies. These two iconic species are absent from Tidgrove today, but by establishing the plants they depend upon, we hope to create the conditions that may one day allow them to colonise naturally.

Conservation is rarely about quick results. It is about creating resilient habitats that continue to improve year after year.

Looking Beyond Individual Species

The return of butterflies such as the Brown Argus, Small Copper and Small Blue, together with the discovery of Sitochroa palealis, tells us that Tidgrove's meadows are becoming increasingly diverse and ecologically rich.

Healthy insect populations support far more than butterflies alone. They provide food for birds and bats, pollinate wildflowers and crops, and form the foundation of a thriving countryside. Every additional wildflower and every restored meadow contributes to that wider picture.

Butterflies are among our most visible wildlife, but they represent something much greater. They are indicators that an entire ecosystem is functioning as it should.

Looking Ahead

While this year's survey has produced remarkable results, our work is far from complete. Habitat restoration is a long term commitment, and every season brings new opportunities to improve the estate for wildlife.

Our sincere thanks go to Andy Bolton for carrying out the survey and helping us monitor the remarkable biodiversity developing across Tidgrove Estate.

We look forward to seeing what next year's survey will reveal.