EcoPark Volunteer Day
Grizzled skipper
This is the smallest of the skippers and the earliest to appear in spring. It has a fast, darting flight pattern so they are easiest to see early in the morning when they bask on bare ground in the sunshine. Grizzled skippers require short, mixed vegetation which is usually created by grazing, particularly of lowland chalk grassland, or clearance of areas within woodland. Populations have been declining due to lack of grazing and woodland management. Eggs are laid on a variety of plants such as wild strawberry, bramble, agrimony, salad burnet and creeping cinquefoil.
Grizzled skippers prefer chalk downland habitats - patchworks of chalk grassland, heath, scrub and ponds found on chalk hills. Areas of rare and unique wildlife, chalk grasslands, in particular, have been likened to a rainforest for the diversity of species they hold. But they are being lost at an alarming rate due to changes in land use causing the decline of grazing: it's estimated that we've lost 80% of our chalk grassland over the last 60 years. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and downland nature reserves for the benefit of the rare wildlife they hold. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.
Small blue
This is the smallest of all UK butterflies. Males may be seen feeding on common bird’s-foot-trefoil or horseshoe vetch on lowland chalk grassland. Eggs are laid on kidney vetch and caterpillars feed on the developing flowers and seeds. They are only found on chalk grassland when this plant is present as it is an essential species for their lifecycle. The population of the small blue is declining partly because colonies are isolated and at risk of extinction if their habitat is destroyed.
In southern England, small blues prefer chalk downland habitats - patchworks of chalk grassland, heath, scrub and ponds found on chalk hills. Areas of rare and unique wildlife, chalk grasslands, in particular, have been likened to a rainforest for the diversity of species they hold. But they are being lost at an alarming rate due to changes in land use causing the decline of grazing: it's estimated that we've lost 80% of our chalk grassland over the last 60 years. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and downland nature reserves for the benefit of the rare wildlife they hold. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.
Soil, Seeds, and Social Change
Shared food, dialogue, and interventions from Shaun Waycott (plant expert at Feed Bristol); Dr Jon Bridle (biologist at the University of Bristol); and Tom Wells (gardener and ethnobotanist, Chelsea Physic Garden).
Through the theme of plants we'll be engaging both practical and theoretical issues to do with soil, seeds, and social change. On the one hand, we want to ask:
Adonis blue
The Adonis blue is the rarest of the blue butterflies in the UK. It’s found on sunny, south-facing grassland which is rich in herbs. As with other grassland species ploughing and lack of grazing has resulted in a decline in populations. It also doesn’t move far so colonies can become isolated and vulnerable to extinction if their habitat is disturbed. The horseshoe vetch is used as a food plant by both caterpillars and adults.
In southern England, adonis blues prefer chalk downland habitats - patchworks of chalk grassland, heath, scrub and ponds found on chalk hills. Areas of rare and unique wildlife, chalk grasslands, in particular, have been likened to a rainforest for the diversity of species they hold. But they are being lost at an alarming rate due to changes in land use causing the decline of grazing: it's estimated that we've lost 80% of our chalk grassland over the last 60 years. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and downland nature reserves for the benefit of the rare wildlife they hold. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.
Chalkhill blue
As the common name suggests, this butterfly is found on the chalk grasslands of southern England. The males are the more conspicuous as they fly searching for the more secretive females. Populations are declining as their grassland habitat has been ploughed up or is no longer grazed by sheep nor rabbits. Grazing stops the sward from becoming overgrown. The larval foodplant is the horseshoe vetch and the adults often feed on knapweeds and scabiouses. The caterpillars of this species are always found with ants.
In southern England, chalkhill blues prefer chalk downland habitats - patchworks of chalk grassland, heath, scrub and ponds found on chalk hills. Areas of rare and unique wildlife, chalk grasslands, in particular, have been likened to a rainforest for the diversity of species they hold. But they are being lost at an alarming rate due to changes in land use causing the decline of grazing: it's estimated that we've lost 80% of our chalk grassland over the last 60 years. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and downland nature reserves for the benefit of the rare wildlife they hold. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.
Moth Night
Always thought moths were dull brown creatures that only came out at night? Prepare to be amazed through this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these creatures of the night.
Margrove Heritage Centre
Taith Cerdded Bywyd Gwyllt
Minibus Trip to Wisley
Refreshments: available, as are toilets, shop and plant centre.
