Changes in Flora and fauna on the Common are regularly noted by Parish Rangers and Volunteers then passed onto Herts Environmental Records Centre who collate and update information on the species, habitats and sites of the whole county. When it comes to butterflies, long time recorder Bill Cattle is considered the local expert with Michael Hyde who is now in charge of public recordings, learning fast.
Parish Ranger Andy Goddard is also a big Butterfly man and spends so much time on the Common, he rarely misses a newbie.
“I spotted 27 species of butterflies.. some I saw only once or twice like the Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady and I caught a glimpse of the Green Hair Streak. Others are becoming more common like Marble Whites now – they have spread down from the Chilterns in the last few years, although they have been on the Common since the 50s.
The larvae of Marbled Whites stays dormant on grass stems throughout winter – so when we do Cut and Lift we leave areas uncut so numbers will increase. Grazing bumps up your butterfly numbers because you are removing everything.
I’ve seen lots of Commas, Peacocks, Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells, all of which like nettles. Holly Blue and Common Blues have been out too.
Weather can affect butterflies severely The mild spring has brought them out earlier this year. Poor summers can spell doom because they won’t breed. I’m on the look out al the time although it’s tricky to get photos. Brown Argus is one of my favourites although I am hoping to see a Dark Green Fritillary, it’s big and unmistakeable and a species we had in the 50s. It feeds on violets which we have in abundance still.”
Friends of the Common carry out butterfly surveys monthly in season. For details Tel Michael Hyde on 01923 350512
Photographs courtesy Butterfly Conservation.
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