We have lots of nettles at Saltholme and they provide the perfect home for the caterpillars of some of our most colourful butterflies, especially the Peacock Butterfly.
They like large patches of nettles in full sun so there is no point in letting nettles grow in a corner of your garden - grow colourful flowers for nectar for the adults instead.
Volunteer guide Brian took this photo today just outside Wildlife Watchpoint hide from the path, but there are lots more in otherplaces. In fact anywhere that the nettles are in full sun.
There are other caterpillars about, and the Drinker Moth caterpillars are currently crossing our paths so please take care!
Peter