Blogger - Erica Howe, Communications Manager
What’s in a name? Ok so that’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s certainly a true sentiment in this instance. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a great name, a name that we all know and love, but really, in all honesty doesn’t do our work justice.
We love birds and they are at the heart of everything we do, but there is so much more amazing B stuff that we want to share with you. Buzzing, Biodiversity, Blogs, Bugs and they just scratch the surface! One of my favourite B’s is butterflies and the RSPB, amongst many other organisations, is doing amazing work to see that our butterfly species are thriving.
And talking of names, our UK butterfly species have some of the most exotic, most colourful and fantastic names you could imagine. Take the Silver-washed Fritillary. Its name conjours up all kinds of images, but actually seeing one, the flash of orange as it darts past, its wafer-thin wings and graceful flight, will leave you mesmerised.
Silver-washed Fritillary - credit Chris Gibson
Over the last two years, there has been a remarkable increase in the Silver-washed Fritillary’s fortune and you can see them in abundance in some of our region’s best woods. Stour Wood, on the Essex/Suffolk border is alive with these butterflies as well as many of other beautiful butterflies like the White Admiral.
We are coming up to the perfect time of year to go out butterfly spotting and as long as the weather behaves, there should be woodlands and gardens all across the region coming alive with colour so vivid it feels like you’re walking through a fresh oil painting. Of course, butterflies like this don’t just turn up on a whim, a little bit lost and confused! They seek out just the right habitat, with just the right food for a safe summer residence. Although Common dog-Violets don’t whet my appetite, they provide valuable energy for these butterflies and others in order for them to survive.
The RSPB works really hard to make sure that its woodland areas are just right for such glamorous, colourful woodland inhabitants such as the Silver-washed Fritillary, stepping up for all biodiversity as well as birds!
Next time you spot a butterfly, be sure to find out its name. Perhaps it will conjour up childhood memories or set your senses alive! Whatever it makes you feel, perhaps it might make you think differently about The RSPB. Beneath the initials is a huge amount of passion and enthusiasm for all kinds of creatures and habitats, and they don’t all begin with b!
Come and join a “Butterfly Sensation” on 3 July from 11am to 1pm meeting at Stour Wood on the Essex border. Cost is £3 members, £4 non-members with a £1 discount for children. Booking essential on 01206 391153 or email stourestuary@rspb.org.uk
Featured in the Eastern Daily Press, Saturday 18 June