Above: Hemp Agrimony, a plant favoured by many butterflies grows
alongside one of the forest rides. Alongside the footpaths and rides of the
Woodland Education Centre grow a variety of wild flowers and other plants.
Because the tracks pass by many different habitats on the reserve, the plants seen
growing on the verges vary. Soil composition, light levels and moisture availability
all influence which species can grow. Some of the plants growing here are food for
the larva of a variety of species of butterfly and moth.
On sunny summer afternoons Red Admiral, Small Tortoishell, Peacock, Marbled White and
Speckled Wood Butterflies can all be seen flying along the verges as they seek out nectar
and suitable plants on which to lay their eggs. |