Butterfly Atlas takes flight at Harestanes
Tuesday, December 15 2009
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre recently hosted the launch of the first book devoted to the butterflies of the region.
The Butterfly Atlas of the Scottish Borders brings together the efforts of dedicated volunteers over many years, charting
the return of three native species, the Orange-tip, Comma and Speckled Wood – as well as the mixed fortunes of another 31
species.
The atlas is a source of scientific information including distribution maps and flight periods, but also features many beautiful butterfly images, including some by Hawick-based photographer Derrick Moore.
The unmistakeable Orange-tip is one of the first signs of spring and is now found throughout the Borders. Although recorded by the very first naturalists, there were no sightings at all between 1897 and 1970. Several species, such as the Peacock and Ringlet, are far more common now than they were, probably as a result of climate change. Some former species such as the Marsh Fritillary are unlikely to ever return, as the specialised habitats they need are no longer present. The atlas also tells the story of butterfly recording, started by the country's first natural history society, the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club in 1831.
Richard Buckland, Chair of Butterfly Conservation's East Scotland branch said: “An army of dedicated volunteers has produced remarkable scientific data which will be used to monitor the health of our environment. Their contribution is hugely important."
Production of the atlas was funded by Butterfly Conservation's East Scotland Branch, Scottish Natural Heritage, Awards for All and Scottish Borders Council.
The Butterfly Atlas of the Scottish Borders is available through local independent booksellers in Selkirk, Jedburgh, Galashiels, Melrose and St Boswells as well as Harestanes Visitor Centre office (Monday-Friday only). Published by Atropos on behalf of Butterfly Conservation (East Scotland branch) the atlas is also available through www.nhbs.com.
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, Ancrum, Jedburgh, is part of Scottish Borders Council’s Education & Lifelong Learning department.
For more information, visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/harestanes
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