East Devon AONB have launched a new ‘looking for violets’ wildlife survey to help record sightings of wild violets and endangered pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies.
Spring has well and truly arrived with wildlife bursting into life. It is the perfect time to get out and explore our East Devon woodlands, which are awash with spring flowers... and whilst you are there you could help with wildlife conservation.
You don’t have to be an expert to make a valuable contribution to local wildlife. The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have organised a simple ‘Violet hunt’ to run throughout May and June and would love you to join in.
Violets are vital food for the caterpillars of two of the UK’s rarest butterflies, the Pearl Bordered and Small Pearl Bordered fritillaries. By hunting for the violets, it will reveal where these butterflies might be found.
“It’s a great excuse to go for a walk in the countryside, perhaps taking your children or grandchildren with you, and look at the beauty and variety of spring flowers in the woods, helping us benefit wildlife at the same time.
We have a special page on our website which has a lovely video about the life of the butterflies and a guide to how to carry out the survey” said Pete Youngman the East Devon AONB Project Officer.
Just visit our website to find out more and how to get involved. https://www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/our-work/projects/saving-special-species/small-pearl-bordered-fritillary