Green fingered children plant for butterflies

The pupils had grown the plants from cuttings taken from a meadow near their school prior to the summer holidays and their intention is to create a habitat for the Northern Brown Argus butterfly whose caterpillars only feed on Rock Rose.

Ian Paterson, countryside ranger with Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service explained: "This butterfly has a northern distribution in Britain but has been declining in numbers in recent years. We are fortunate to have a number of small colonies around Rogart and it seemed right that if we were making a wildlife garden that we tried to create extra habitat for this species. The children’s efforts could be important to the survival of this butterfly in Sutherland."

Rogart School PTA received a grant from Scottish Natural Heritage to help purchase materials for the project.

Headteacher Mrs Anne Law added: "The grant enabled us to build a pond and purchase a variety of plants. We are very grateful to SNH as the garden is an excellent resource for the school. Throughout the year the children can observe seasonal changes and visitors in an undisturbed part of their own playground. It represents a small area of the environment for which the children are responsible. Hopefully we will be successful in attracting the Northern Brown Argus and other species of wildlife."

For further information please contact: Ian Paterson, Countryside Ranger, Highland Council Planning and Development Service, Ferrycroft Countryside Centre, Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4AZ Tel/Fax: 01549 402 638