5 minute read
Wildlife Matters
from Stroud District
with Dorothy Glen
Insects matter
Advertisement
Butterfly Conservation, the charity dedicated to protecting British butterflies and moths, have recently released their Red List of threatened butterfly species – with half our remaining species now on the list.
Sadly, butterflies are just one example of our decreasing numbers of insects. Remember the hundreds of windscreen fly splats you’d get on a motorway journey 20-odd years ago? And now – hardly any.
This may be good news for windscreens, but it’s bad news for the eco system. Consider how many food chains begin with insects, not to mention our need for pollinators. Habitat changes, pesticides, pollution and global warming are to blame.
The Large Blue is no longer Critically Endangered
Thankfully it’s not all bad news. Thanks to a successful reintroduction programme, the Large Blue butterfly, which went extinct in Britain in 1979, has moved from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened on the Red List (although it is still endangered globally).
Hearing the demise of the Large Blue made extinction a real concept for me as a child –something more tangible than dinosaurs and dodos. This left an impression, so last year I was hugely excited to visit Dane-
Image: Adam Gor via butterfly-conservation.org
way Banks nature reserve, owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The reserve is now home to the largest global population of Large Blues and has been a huge success for the reintroduction programme.
We were lucky to spot one of these elusive butterflies, and I joyfully followed it for a while as it danced through the undergrowth. So much effort has gone into giving this tiny insect its home back in our country.
It relies entirely on one species of red ant
The Large Blue has pretty niche requirements for its life cycle. Caterpillars initially feed on wild thyme, before dropping to the ground where ants mistake them for ant grubs. The Large Blue relies entirely on one species of red ant, which then carries the caterpillars to their nest. The caterpillars feed on the real ant grubs until they are ready to turn into chrysalises and then emerge as butterflies. You can see them at Daneway Banks (if you’re lucky!) in June and July.
But it’s not all about nature reserves. Closer to home, do encourage insects to your garden where possible: avoid artificial grass and garden chemicals; take part in no-mow May (or better still, leave a patch of grass longer all year round); grow native plants, which better feed our insects and birds; make a small wildlife pond; build an insect house – we have an article on our website with instructions for how to make one (look in the Wildlife Matters section in News, Articles & Reviews).
Even just allowing a small area to be a little bit wild can make a big difference, and you can enjoy having a garden full of life.
Go on Safari with Dave
Dave and Darcy Go on Safari
Dave and Darcy are off on safari to see the animals of Africa. On their trip they make lots of new friends, from giraffes to lions, as well as a baby elephant that is in trouble! Will they be able to help?
Pre-order open now! *
Dave and Darcy Go to the Beach
Dave and Darcy are going to the beach for their summer holidays and a week filled with fun. Follow them on their adventures as they make friends and memories by the sea - but watch out for that naughty seagull!
Dave and Darcy Go to the Show
Dave and Darcy dress up smart to go to the local village pony show. They face many challenges throughout the day including big jumps and tricky dressage routines! How will they do in the competitions? Will they win any rosettes?
Dave and Darcy Have a Birthday Party
It’s Dave’s birthday and the whole gang have come to celebrate with him and Darcy! There will be lots of fun games and lots of yummy cake. Make sure you don’t miss the party!
Dave and Darcy Save Christmas
Santa’s reindeer are all poorly so there is nobody to fly the sleigh and deliver presents. Join Dave and Darcy as they whizz around the world and help to save Christmas!
andDarcy this summer!
PLUS! The brand new Dave and Darcy Colouring and Activity Book will be coming out this summer as well! You can preorder this alongside the Safari story via my website. • More than30 pages of colouring in • Fun and educational activities • Ideally suited for children ages 2-7
Pre-order now to receive a discount on the single book, the new bundle of five books and the colouring book!
*Any orders that include the Safari storybook orthe Colouring and Activity book will be posted out later in the su mmer. Once I have an official publication date, I will email all customers to let you know when you can expect to receive your orders. All other orders will continue to be posted as stated on my website. If you have any questions, please email lois@loiskingscottauthor.com
Fun, engaging stories for ages3-7 10% of profit donated to Cotswold RDA Activities and resources on my website Wholesale andschool discounts available Please email lois@loiskingscottauthor.com
Sign up to my newsletter via my website to be the first to know when new stories and new Dave and Darcy products are released!
