Recent plant and insect surveys at 20 West Lothian Council wildflower sites by conservation charity Buglife have revealed an impressive diversity of wildlife, demonstrating the important role these habitats play in supporting nature and local communities.
The surveys, carried out across sites ranging from the colourful wildflower banks at Almondvale Play Park to the extensive grasslands of Beecraigs and Almondell Country Parks, recorded up to 58 plant species at individual locations, including the striking Near Threatened Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha).
The survey work also led to the discovery of four new Greater Butterfly Orchid locations and records across West Lothian. Some of these were found beyond the formal survey sites, and within the Council’s relaxed mowing areas. Records have since been shared with the Council and registered through the national biological recording platform, iRecord.
In addition to wildflowers, the surveys also produced some exciting insect records. The Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) was found at one of the Civic Centre wildflower sites, despite this species not usually being found in lowland urban areas, making the record particularly significant. The wonderfully named Pale-footed Pithead (Pipiza luteitarsis), a hoverfly considered widespread but uncommon, was also recorded at the same site, while large, colourful Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja) were seen feeding and mating on Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre) in the extensive Balvormie Meadow in Beecraigs Country Park.
Civic centre Common Carder and Crab spider on Common Spotted Orchid © Rachel Richards
Beecraigs Greater Butterfly Orchid © Rachel Richards
Buglife B-Lines Officer, Rachel Richards, who conducted the surveys, shared:
“It’s been a real privilege to carry out these surveys. The results highlight the value of West Lothian’s wildflower-rich grasslands, for pollinators and other wildlife. They also show how different sites contribute their own unique mix of species while providing colourful, attractive spaces which local people clearly enjoy and value I hope more councils can follow this example and together we can create more fantastic spaces across the UK”.
West Lothian Council, Ecology and Biodiversity Officer, Becky Plunkett added:
“Our parks and green spaces are important places for exercising and relaxing, but they also offer valuable opportunities for wildlife. It’s fantastic to see the surveys revealing such a diversity of wildflowers and invertebrates thriving in our B-Lines meadows and other areas of nature-managed grass. We’re pleased to know that our varying management methods are working and really are creating species-rich landscapes that support pollinators, strengthen our nature network, and provide welcoming spaces where people can experience nature close to home”.
The full survey results will help inform future habitat management and highlight the unique contribution each site makes to supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Demonstrating how local authorities can play a key role in nature recovery through the creation and management of species-rich wildflower habitats along the B-Lines network and beyond.
These valuable green spaces not only provide essential homes and resources for pollinators but also bring colour, interest and wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors across West Lothian.
Members of the public are encouraged to share photographs of local pollinator habitats and add their own wildlife-rich sites to Buglife’s B-Lines map to help support conservation efforts across the region.
To find out more about projects and support available in your local area visit the Buglife website buglife.org.uk.
Main image: Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja) © Simon Munnery