Early arrival could herald big year for butterflies
The National Trust for Scotland is reporting its first butterfly sighting of the year, and it is an unusual one as a Red Admiral was spotted in the gardens at Brodick Castle earlier this month.
Gardener George Inglis made the discovery on March 9 and managed to catch a photograph last week while at work at the historic estate, which has been in the care of the charity that conserves and promotes Scotland’s heritage since 1958.
Although Red Admirals are common across the UK, they are not usually seen so early in spring, usually migrating from Europe and North Africa once temperatures here start to rise.
Brodick senior ranger Kate Sampson said: ‘It is quite unusual to see a Red Admiral as our first butterfly of the year. This could suggest that it over-wintered here, rather than migrating. Let’s hope this heralds a big year for butterflies at Brodick.’
The trust collects information about wildlife sightings on its land, which it then feeds into the National Biodiversity Network, providing comprehensive information on Scotland’s amazing wildlife.
Visitors are encouraged to submit sightings at www. nts.org.uk/wildlifesurvey.
This year is all about the outdoors at the castle and country park. While the castle is closed for vital fire safety work, the team are putting on plenty of events out in the garden and country park for the visitor sea- son, so watch out for the monthly events listings.