News from Leominster Area Branch of HWT

Home Community News from Leominster Area Branch of HWT

Some of you might have taken part in the “Big Butterfly Count” this year and may have been shocked to read in July that so far just over half the number of insects had been spotted, compared to this time last year. Butterflies need warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate, so the wet weather may be the cause. However since the 1970s, numbers of butterflies have plummeted by 80% and experts believe the main causes are habitat loss and pesticide use.

Leominster area branch members can undertake their own butterfly survey on Bringsty Common this Sunday 18th August 1.30pm – 3.00pm to look at species and habitats with expert Lucy Morton, Nature Reserves Officer with Butterfly Conservation.

£2.00 for members; £3.00 for non-members. Booking essential as numbers are limited. Car sharing from Leominster is possible.

Please contact LeominsterAreaBranch@gmail.com

Following on from the July event, which concentrated on making gardens wildlife friendly and providing the right habitat for pollinating species, Leominster area branch will be looking at how some farms are doing their bit for nature. Local farmer Ben Andrews will be hosting a branch visit to his regenerative farm on 21st September 3.00pm – 5.00pm.

There will also be a walk along the River Arrow where Ben will talk about the effect of flooding on the crops and how he reduces the impact of flooding on the land.

Booking essential. please contact LeominsterAreaBranch@gmail.com for further details.