Rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly expands in Redditch

The Brown Hairstreak butterfly has previously only been seen in Moreton Stanley Park, with volunteers from the West Midlands Butterfly Conservation spotting eggs there every year.

Eastern Worcestershire is the only place in the entire West Midlands where this butterfly is found and now, the eggs from the species have been spotted further east across Redditch, with sightings in Arrow Valley this winter.

It means that the species is gaining hold across Redditch with conservationists believing the butterfly is using the town’s green corridors to reach new areas.

The West Midlands Butterfly Conservation is hopeful that the butterfly can become an established species in the town and are calling on residents to get in touch if they spot its eggs.

Residents are urged to get in touch if they spot the butterfly eggs in Redditch. Photo: Simon Primrose.

Simon Primrose who is Butterfly Conservation’s Species Champion for the Brown Hairstreak, said: “It is exciting news that the Brown Hairstreak has begun to spread within Redditch and we are keen to find out, with the support of the local community, just how far into the town the butterfly has managed to colonise. 

"The butterfly is very susceptible to annual hedge flailing which destroys the majority of eggs and the key to success is for blackthorn to be cut on a longer rotation.”

He added: “If any residents know of any sections of uncut blackthorn in a sunny position, particularly where young suckers are growing away from the base of the hedge, we would urge them to see if they can locate the pinhead sized eggs which are white in colour and are laid in the spine of the blackthorn. 

"Although tiny, they stand out against the dark colour of the bare wood.  If you think you spot any take a photograph and get in touch by emailing simonjprimrose@aol.com.”