Butterflies in Lancashire

North Lancashire has some of the best butterfly habitat in the North of England.

Where can we find

a high population of butterflies in Lancashire?

Warton Crag

Warton Crag; situated one mile north of Carnforth and near Warton; is an important site home to rare butterfly species. The nature reserve is a limestone hill with spectacular views at the top over Morecambe Bay to the Kent Estuary. Warton Crag is abundant with wading birds as well; the sand banks and the salt marshes near to Leighton Moss are ideal for this species of bird.

The area is also home to plants that are nationally uncommon; Thyme and Rock Rose have roots buried deep in the rocks that help them stay greener for longer. Late spring shows a variety of flowers in bloom on the hill; Bluebells, Primroses, Violets, Strickland wood etc.

The rich scrub of the crag provides a perfect site for butterflies; the abundance of Hawthorn, Spindle, Juniper, Hazel, Blackthorn and much more along with warm

and sunny areas is a specific habitat for butterfly species like the Fritillaries; the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in May, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary in June and the High Brown Fritillary in July.

Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland is close to Preston and Clitheroe; with rich and diverse landscapes. The area is 36,700ha complete with blanket bog, upland heath, upland springs and flushes, purple moor grass and rush pasture. The Forest of Bowland is best known for its blanket bog, which can only form in cool, wet climates. The large heath butterfly

(Coenonympha tullia) can be found in this area as their habitat is blanket bogs.

The High

Brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe)

What?

The High Brown Fritillary is similar to the Dark Green Fritillary except for its brown underside and the row of “ocelli” on the margin.

Their main food is plants such as Common Dog Violet, Hairy Violet, Heath Dog Violet and Pale Dog Violet.

(Common Dog Violet)

Where?

This particular species is a national species of conservation concern; it needs a specific habitat and can now only be found in few places around the U.K, the North West is the national stronghold; with a stable population in North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

It lives

in a habitat of either limestone or bracken and coppice woodland. Warton Crag is one of few otherareas in North Lancashire where there is a large population of the species. Their eggs can be laid in limestone areas or mossy rocks.

(An example of coppice woodland)

Below is a map to show the population of the High Brown Fritillary around the U.K.


View Larger Map

Is there a decline?

Over the past 30 years, it has been recognised that certain butterfly species nationwide have been in decline. This article shows that the BBC wrote about this topic in 2001and this article was written in 2006 and depicts the decline of butterflies throughout England.

This article states that over the past 200 years, five species of butterflies have become extinct

and according to the butterfly conservation survey 15 species have become in decline over this period of time.

The small tortoiseshell butterfly is, according to Laura Sivell of the butterfly conservation: “once the commonest garden butterfly but reduced by a series of wet springs and now thre

atened by a parasite.”

While there is a decline in some areas, some butterflies move to another part of the country for their specific habitat. The Wall Brown (see picture) is an example of this having disappeared from the South East of England in the 90’s but now abundant in parts of Lancashire.

So, what is causing certain butterfly species

to become in decline?

• Climate change

This is one of the main causes for the decline. Temperatures warming up mean that the habitats are no longer the same for butterflies; thus making it difficult for them to live in certain areas. Climate change also means that there is less

The Butterfly conservation survey states that 15 species have travelled north of the country due to climate change; butterfly populations have been changing throu

ghout the country due to this.

• Increase in farming

This means that most butterfly habitats like ancient woodland, moors and wild meadows have been destroyed.

• Lack of woodland management/changing land management

If woodland is not managed, butterflies’ habitats become destroyed. This can lead to isolation of habitats and a difficulty for butterflies to colonise.

• Insecticides

The increase in the use of insecticides on the areas that butter

flies live or feed on could harm certain species.

What can be done?

- Butterfly conservation management projects in Lancashire: They maintain and restore habitats of species which are of conservation concern. There is inform

ation about Lancashire’s butterfly conservation society here.

- Recording and monitoring various species: This helps understand the future of British butterflies.

The endangered High Brown Fritillary has had the most success in terms of conservation in the North-West of England.

There is, however, according to the Butterfly Conservation, a severe concern with Northern species of butterflies. Over the past 20 years, colonies of the Northern Brown Argus, the Scotch Argus and the Mountain Ringlet have become extinct in the North of England.

Why do we need to do stop this decline?

Butterflies are important as they are sensitive to rapid change in climate and habitat. The Butterfly Conservation urge the government to help their biodiversity act as butterflies are a valuable factor in terms of determining the changes in the environment.

Is there only a decline in butterflies?

Butterflies are not the only insects becoming in decline in Lancashire, moths and bees are also on the decline. This article shows the decline in further detail.