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2000 Bristol and Weston children to create butterfly havens
Pupils at 47 primary schools across Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare will create wild spaces for butterflies and moths to set a ‘fantastic example’ to the rest of the UK.
The children will create mini meadows, plant window boxes of wildflowers and count the creatures that come to visit.
Butterfly Conservation has chosen schools in economically- and nature-deprived areas to take part in the project which will enable over 2000 children to visit green spaces and get to know their local wildlife.
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The charity, which works across the UK to save butterflies, moths and the natural environment they rely on, has said the wild spaces will also ‘help beleaguered butterflies and moths survive the nature and climate crises.”
Children will be encouraged to design and create their own wild spaces, with activities like planting lavender bushes and mini wildflower meadows – photo: Pete Hughes
“I’m really excited to be leading this project,” said Angus Walker, the Bristol and Weston Wild Spaces project officer. “It’s a huge opportunity to help children across our area care for nature on their doorstep, and get the wellbeing benefits which come from that, like reduced anxiety. And it will make a real difference for wildlife.
“Having worked with young people in outdoor settings for a while, I see the pure joy they get from connecting with nature and that tells me there’s a massive appetite from people to live in places that aren’t just good for themselves, but where nature thrives as well.”
Angus worked with pupils at Two Mile Hill primary school in Kingswood in March, planting lavender in raised beds to create places for butterflies to feed, breed and shelter.
Of the new project, he said: “I’m really hopeful we’ll be able to involve the children in all stages of creation. I’ll be running planning workshops where we might have discussions or they can draw pictures or even write a proposal.
“When it comes to creating they’ll be in the workshops, planting the plants, sowing the seeds, getting their hands dirty and being the ones to create their own wild space.”
Angus Walker has already visited Two Mill Hill school in Kingswood this month to make a start on the project – photo: Pete Hughes
The Bristol and Weston project will initially run for 18 months. Butterfly Conservation will buy plants and tools for each school and the children will be given 10-year plans so they can care for their wild spaces into the future.
They will also receive crash courses in species identification and recording so they can assess the wildlife they spot. The charity is keen to inspire a lifelong engagement with nature.
It hopes the newly-created wild spaces will join up with those in local gardens and parks, creating an urban network of pollinator-friendly wildlife havens.
The local project is part of the nationwide Wild Spaces programme which aims to create 100,000 new areas for butterflies and moths, ranging from patio planters to wildflower meadows.
Julie Williams, Butterfly Conservation chief executive, said: “Our butterflies and moths are in crisis. Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are all threatening these beloved insects that symbolise summer for so many of us and can be such a big part of discovering nature as a child.
“But there are ways that all of us can help. We’re asking everyone across the UK to help us create 100,000 wild spaces where butterflies and moths can thrive.
“The schoolchildren of Bristol and Weston will help set a fantastic example for the rest of the country. We can’t wait to see the wonderful wild spaces they create.”
Simple techniques like leaving spaces untamed for nature and letting wild plants grow can help species like this Comma butterfly – photo: Andrew Cooper
The areas the children create will depend on their own ideas and the space schools have available. But some of the best wildlife havens require little to no management.
Angus has said schools can get off to a good start by leaving dense shrubs and long grass in the corner of a playground for butterflies, moths and caterpillars to hide. Similarly, patches of stinging nettles provide food for Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady butterflies.
Common weeds such as Garlic Mustard offer an ideal egg-laying spot for the paisley-patterned Orange-tip, and early-flowering plants like primroses and crocuses add colour and hope to winter gardens while providing vital nectar for butterflies such as Brimstones.
Butterfly Conservation is looking for additional schools to get involved in the project. To find out more about the Bristol and Weston Wild Spaces project, email Angus Walker on awalker@butterfly-conservation.org.
For more on Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces programme visit wild-spaces.co.uk
Main photo: Pete Hughes
This piece of independent journalism is supported by the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.
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