We went along recently to the first official Ventnor Butterfly Town Walk.
We were really impressed with the turn out of 16-18 people, including those from the Mainland.
After an introductory talk by organiser and butterfly enthusiast, Rob Wilson, outlining the hopes for the group and running through a few of the upcoming events, the group set off on its meandering way.
Taking part is a distinctly different way of ‘normal’ walking. A far more sedate pace than we’re used to … and it was very welcome.
Rather than using the journey as a means to get to a destination, time is spent observing what’s around. It’s quite amazing what you can see if you take the time.
We stopped at various points of interest along the way, such as the area above Ventnor Park, a good places to see the Blue Holly butterfly – the first blue butterfly of the year.
An abundance of … experts
Alongside the knowledgeable leader of the walk, many experts on wildlife revealed themselves along the way.
One was a leading expert on Moths – not an area I’d ever given a moments thought too.
As with many of these oft-ignored subjects, it’s an area filled with fascinating details.
Example – when leaves on bushes looked marked and discoloured, more often that not it’s where a moth grub has hatched, eating its way through part of the leaf before taking off for its brief life. Each type of moth has its own distinct pattern.
I wasn’t aware that there new form of life were still being created, were you?
As the reproductive cycle of a moth is so brief – around seven generations a year – new types of moths are being created.
Future walks
If you any interest in living things and fancy a wander with a very welcoming group of people – and fancy the idea of picking up a little knowledge, I’d thoroughly recommend the Ventnor Butterfly walks.
It’s a brilliant idea and is a great opener for the idea of making Ventnor a Butterfly Town.
We’ll keep you informed of future Butterfly Town Walks.
