Butterflies are booming at Wimborne’s Knoll Gardens with sightings more than 60% up on the same time as last year. And, as well as counting 58 individual butterflies in a single survey, butterfly expert Keith Powrie has also recorded three new species in the garden, the Marbled White, Keeled Skimmer and White Admiral.
Keith has been carrying out weekly surveys at Knoll for many years. Together with other species surveys and educational events, these surveys help to monitor the effectiveness of the garden’s wildlife-friendly planting style.
Learning more about the relationship between Knoll’s flora and fauna is a key part of the work of the Knoll Gardens Foundation, the charity set up to understand the ecology of the gardens and encourage others to adopt techniques that benefit the gardener and the garden’s wildlife.
On Tuesday 7 August the charity is holding its annual Garden Wildlife Survey. Led by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, this one-day event brings together experts and volunteers to record a snapshot of the wildlife found in the garden on one day. With experts, including Keith Powrie, on hand to help with identification the event is suitable for all ages, from beginners to more experienced wildlife enthusiasts.
Peter Gear, Chairman of the Knoll Gardens Foundation, said “This is the fourth year we have asked people to join us for our annual, one day survey. It is an important day for the Foundation but it’s also fun and a great way to find out more about the birds, bees, butterflies and other amazing creatures that can be found in so many gardens so I would encourage everyone to come along and find out more.”
The Knoll Gardens Foundation annual Garden Wildlife Survey takes place on Tuesday 7 August and runs from 10am – 3pm. Standard garden admission fees apply but these will be divided between the charitable organisations taking part. For more information go to www.knollgardensfoundation.org or call Knoll Gardens on 01202 873931.