Not All Bad News

Speckled Wood

Butterflies are one of the most popular insects on the planet. They are highly visible and very important indicators to environmental change. Jersey is always a little behind the UK in researching. Since 1976 the UK have been monitoring butterfly species. Jersey only started in 2004 and the first 10 year report has recently been released.See full report here

As an island there has been massive human population change since the 1940's . During that time species such as the Swallowtail and Glanville Fritillary have disappeared. Butterflies depend on certain types of plant for survival. If environments change then butterfly numbers can drastically alter.

The ten year survey had four key tasks: Monitor the number of different species. Detect trends which indicate population changes. Monitor changes to specific sites that would indicate habitat change and contributory factors. Gather information on environmental changes including climatic change.

The survey found that 34 species of butterfly were regularly recorded with 24 varieties regarded as common. These included regular migrants such as The Clouded Yellow, Red Admiral and Painted Lady. Over the ten year period the decline in numbers was recorded as 14% compared to the UK's figure of 29%.

When these figures were broken down there was some good news. Numbers of butterflies in natural and semi natural environments had actually increased. Those around farmland had stayed about the same. The decline was attributed to the loss of habitats in urban areas.

Our environment department has taken this report to heart. They are now actively encouraging the planting of insect loving plants . Also they are managing verges and hedges to create corridors between isolated butterfly populations. Park keepers, gardeners and Sports ground staff are being persuaded to set aside areas of insect friendly plants including nettles to attract butterflies.

The biggest area that can make a change for the good is in town. Households are being encouraged to have pots of lavender and other butterfly friendly plants on their balconies, or just outside their front doors. Garden centres and shops are full of seed packets of wild flowers suitable for butterflies and bees.

The next ten year survey has started. It will be interesting to see the results. Certainly in Jersey I feel the winds of change. People realise that if they don't act now it could be too late. How is it in your part of the world? Are you doing your bit?

Barbara xxx