Butterflies and Dragonflies Thrive at Denbighshire’s Tree Nursery During National Insect Week
As National Insect Week gets underway, a tree nursery in St Asaph is showcasing how carefully managed green spaces can become havens for pollinators and other insect life.
Operated by Denbighshire County Council, the nursery isn’t just focused on growing thousands of trees each year – it also cultivates wildflowers to help restore vital meadow habitats. These flower-rich areas are crucial for supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which have faced significant declines across the UK.
Outside the nursery tunnels, the surrounding grounds – maintained with support from the council’s Biodiversity Team – are becoming just as important for nature. Among the success stories is a flourishing population of Peacock butterfly caterpillars, which have taken up residence in patches of Common Nettle growing around the site.
Peacock butterflies lay their eggs in clusters on nettle leaves, the primary food source for their caterpillars. The larvae, which hatch between May and June, feed and grow before forming chrysalides. Adult butterflies – known for their striking orange-red wings with vivid black and blue eyespots – typically emerge from June through to August.
Liam Blazey, Senior Biodiversity Officer at Denbighshire County Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see that the work we do inside the nursery is mirrored outside in the surrounding habitats. These areas are providing a real boost to the smaller species that call Denbighshire home.”
He added:
“Alongside the Peacock butterflies, we’ve also recorded several dragonfly species thriving in the wetland areas we developed next to the nursery. It’s a brilliant example of how habitat creation and sensitive management can support local biodiversity.”
With National Insect Week drawing attention to the importance of insects in ecosystems, Denbighshire’s nursery serves as a reminder that even small-scale habitat efforts can make a big difference for the UK’s often-overlooked wildlife.
