WE’VE GOT THE BLUES - (CHALK HILL, ADONIS AND COMMON!)
For todays blog, we walked with Estate Owner Henry Edmunds to a hillside idyll where a nature reserve has been created to provide a habitat for butterflies…
A male and female Chalk Hill Blue Butterfly, captured on the Farm this August.
CHALKHILL BLUES
Walking into the reserve, undisturbed to allow the natural chalk land fauna to thrive, we noticed a low fluttering over the ground. Just a few here and there at first and then, as we moved deeper into the field, there were undeniably butterflies EVERYWHERE.
Henry pointed out the Common Blue, Adonis Blue and then thrillingly, Chalk Hill Blue butterflies, which began settling on their feeding plant, Horseshoe Vetch before fluttering off into the warm sun.
It was the most incredible sight to see this enigmatic insect thriving. Our organic methods ensure that no harmful pesticides or herbicides disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and this has such an impact on our pollinators. Henry will be cutting back a few trees to improve habitat opportunities in the reserve, but otherwise the field will remain untouched.
A Farm That Works for Wildlife
Beyond the reserve, our wildflower meadows are carefully managed to support pollinators, and by maintaining scrub edges and undisturbed ground, we see many species of butterflies thriving across the farm.
‘Field margins are so valuable for butterflies. It is very unusual to see butterflies flying in and around arable crops, but here I can, because their larvae are not killed off by drifting insecticide. Organic farming stands for a living diverse environment and we must all do our bit to ensure this is better appreciated by the public’
H Edmunds, Estate Owner.
We are so proud of the biodiversity which makes its home here and it is a privilege to be able to share it with guests, who often spot all sorts of things!
A female Chalk Hill Blue Butterfly feeding on Horseshoe Vetch.
Come and Tread Lightly
For passionate lepidopterists or those who just love to see wildlife living well, The Cholderton Estate is a great place to explore. Our accommodation offers a luxurious stay - perfect for lazy mornings, long wanders with binoculars in hand and reconnecting with nature.