Butterfly conservation project wins Silver International Green Apple Award
South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC)’s Environmental Education Project and Butterfly Conservation were awarded the Silver International Green Apple Award at a prestigious ceremony held at Kensington Palace on Monday, 18 November, for their collaborative efforts in the Preparing for Butterfly Migration into Derbyshire Project.
The project was recognised for its innovative approach to environmental conservation, particularly in tackling the impacts of climate change on butterfly populations.
The Green Apple Awards, organised by The Green Organisation, celebrate outstanding environmental projects and initiatives across the globe. The Preparing for Butterfly Migration into Derbyshire Project was singled out for its unique contribution to preserving the Purple Emperor butterfly, a species whose northern migration is being hastened by shifting climate patterns.
Through the collective efforts of Butterfly Conservation, SDDC, and environmental organisations, including the National Forest Company, the National Trust, Forestry England, Severn Trent Water, and other landowners, 550 Goat Willow whips (young trees) were purchased and planted at strategic sites to serve as a food source for the larvae of the Purple Emperor. As a woodland species, the Purple Emperor requires specific habitats for breeding, and these new plantings will help establish a reliable food source for the butterflies once the trees mature.
The project has also been instrumental in enhancing a network of wildlife corridors, connecting woodlands and grasslands across the region, which will benefit not only the Purple Emperor but also a variety of other species.
Ken Orpe, Derbyshire Recorder, Butterfly Conservation East Midlands, said
“I am absolutely delighted that this small idea of mine has resulted in this fantastic environmental award: this is a fitting tribute to the hard work of Butterfly Conservation East Midlands branch, South Derbyshire District Council and the 30 landowners who allowed nearly 600 trees to be planted on their land. The fact that we recorded the first-ever sightings of this amazing butterfly in the county just a few months later was a huge reward, and an inspiration to keep doing what we do at Butterfly Conservation. Thank you to everyone involved for all of your help.”
In recognition of the project’s success, SDDC is continuing to engage the local community through the Free Tree Scheme, offering free Goat Willow trees to residents in South Derbyshire. Hundreds of trees are set to be planted throughout the district, further enhancing local biodiversity and providing future food sources for migrating butterflies.
John Everitt OBE, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company said: “Congratulations to all involved in this remarkable success story. This award underscores the transformative impact of collaboration in tackling biodiversity loss and builds on more than 30 years of partnership to create the National Forest. By planting goat willow trees, this project has established critical habitats that enable the establishment of species like the purple emperor butterfly. It highlights the vital role of trees in reversing environmental decline, and gives hope that, together, we can secure nature’s recovery.’’
Looking ahead, Butterfly Conservation has expanded the project’s scope in 2024 to include the White Admiral butterfly. In partnership with SDDC, they have funded the planting of hundreds of wild honeysuckle plants, the primary food source for White Admiral caterpillars. These plants are being introduced alongside the Goat Willow in key locations, strengthening the ecological network for these two important species.
South Derbyshire District Council is committed to fostering sustainable communities, protecting local wildlife, and supporting environmental education. The Free Tree Scheme is one of the many initiatives launched to encourage residents to take part in conservation efforts that benefit the environment and local biodiversity.
For more information about South Derbyshire District Council's free tree scheme, visit www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/freetreescheme
For more information about the Butterfly projects, please see: ww.southderbyshire.gov.uk/butterflies.
The Council's Kate Allies (Environmental Engagement Manager) and Cllr Sean Bambrick, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council pictured collecting the award.
12 December 2024