08/08/2026
Take a look at this photograph.
It was taken (courtesy of butterfly volunteer Jess Chappell) on the site of my good friends at Forest of Flowers
Now it may seem a little nondescript to many, but to me it is almost magical and the highlight of a project started over two years ago.
Back then my company Biodiversity UK partnered with FOF to assist them in creating a perfect habitat to attract a specific species of butterfly, the Silver Washed Fritillary.
We did so by providing and helping to plant over 1500 Common Dog-Violets in a new woodland.
This was just one of many three year projects Biodiversity UK set in motion.
So imagine my delight to receive the following update yesterday from Tom and Alwyn, announcing some incredible news.
“We’re excited to announce that we have a new butterfly species on-site: the Silver-washed Fritillary! This brings our total number of species to an incredible 28.
The Silver-washed Fritillary is having a fantastic dispersal year, with individuals spreading out in search of new habitats. We’re delighted to see it here at Forest of Flowers!
We've planted lots of its caterpillar foodplant, Common Dog-violet in our new woodland. This will allow it to breed on-site and with nectar on-tap in our meadows, we're providing excellent conditions overall. We hope to see many more in future”
That message has truly made my day, in fact it has probably made my year.
If you love nature and are committed to improving the UK’s biodiversity then this is what success looks like.
To have played a small part in making something like this happen makes me very proud.
Huge congratulations to the boys at FOF and their volunteers, I hope the project continues to flourish.
