INISHOWEN BUTTERFLIES

Photo:Dianthus.

(Click on the title for a link to the Inishowen Wildlife Club)


Bob Aldwell from the Dublin Field Club was at Dunree Fort last week to give a talk on butterflies. I stumbled into the room half an hour late with the family and eventually settled on a table at the back to find out more about what is happening to the butterflies in Inishowen. I know without being told that there is no shortage of the large and small white butterfly. These lay great numbers of eggs on the cabbages, broccoli and brussel sprout plant that we plant in the garden. In fact I am convinced they have joined forces and invested in a wheelbarrow as the plants are disappearing fast. I could go out and try to control them but they and most other butterflies are having a hard enough time without me joining in.

There are species that are suffering around the peninsula. The Large Heath butterfly is struggling because of the modern methods of cutting the turf on the bogs and the spread of conifer forestry plantations. The Marsh fritillary was common here but has not been seen for at least 9 years, again the impact of human activity has had a big impact. All is not lost though as a lot of butterflies are thriving and increasing in numbers now that we are using fewer chemicals on the land. The Green Hairstreak has been spotted in Moville this year and seems to have migrated from the Dublin area.

Our eagle eyed town gardener in Buncrana, George Mc Dermott spotted a Wall Brown butterfly this year, which is also a first in Inishowen.Most butterflies can live happily in your own garden and they do not necessarily have to munch away at your vegetables. Certain plants are big attractions for them. Buddleia and Sedum ‘brilliant’ will attract loads of varieties and even neglected areas covered with nettles will be a haven. Some annuals to plant could be Dill Calendula Candytuft Cosmos Petunias, Nasturtium and Zinnias. Perennials could include: Achillea, Dianthus, Asters, Erigeron, Mints and Sedums. Shrubs that could be effective at attracting the butterfly other than Buddleia could include Potentillas, Spireas Weigela and Viburnums. The more types of planting mean that there are more chances of attracting a greater variety of butterflies. The Inishowen Wildlife Club would be interested if you see any butterflies that are unusual in the garden. E-mail inishowenwildlife.com or check out their website.

Environmental.