George Eustice, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle recently tookup the position of a species champion for the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly which is rare but thrives here in Conrwall at Godrevy. The idea behind the species champion initiative run by a consortium of wildlife charities is to get different MPs to take on the role for a particular species that is relevant to their area.
Monitored by the Butterfly Conservation Organisation, the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly is found mainly in heathland where the silvery-blue wings of the males provide a marvellous sight as they fly low over the heather. On the visit, George met with volunteers who monitor the butterfly's population and learnt about its special ecology and the landscape scale conservation and management that is needed to support the species in the long term.
George said, "I am proud to be a species champion for the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly. The Butterfly Conservation Organisation do an incredible job in monitoring butterflies and providing important information on their numbers, habitats and ecology. It was great to meet up with the local volunteers who diligently monitor the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly population on the North Cornwall dunes, and learn about this beautiful species."
You can read more about the work of the Butterfly Conservation Oragnisation at: https://butterfly-conservation.org/
