The butterfly blues (From Cotswold Journal)

The butterfly blues

1:00pm Saturday 18th August 2012 in Cotswolds

THE gardens team at Hidcote Manor Gardens have been putting some extra work into encouraging butterflies into the garden.

In one of the worst years for the species, the team has set aside areas for plants which provide food for the caterpillars and butterflies have been introduced in chrysalis form.

The gardens, near Chipping Campden, are home to several varieties including Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admirals, which are important for the eco system.

“We ran a small trial with some last year which was very successful thanks to the better weather,”

said head gardener Glyn Jones.

“The butterflies will help to pollinate the plants in the garden and it shows just how easy it is for us gardeners to do our little bit to help butterflies in a difficult year.

This year’s bad weather has been described as “almost apocalyptic”

for a lot of wildlife, according to the National Trust’s wildlife expert Matthew Oates.

The wettest April to June on record has battered the delicate insects and small flowers while, in contrast, slugs and snails have been thriving in gardens.

“We’re hoping that our new butterflies will do well at Hidcote and help them to recover from the dreadful start to the summer,” he added.

For details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote.