Black Garden Field is situated on Egbury Road, St Mary Bourne.
It is the long field on the right-hand side as you come out of the village towards Whitchurch.
A survey in 2020 of Black Garden Field (the “Field”), recorded four rare butterfly species: Small Blue, Marsh Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper, and Small Heath. Notably, a colony of approximately 30 adult Small Blues was identified, thriving in specific habitats at the Field’s south-western end and the south-eastern corner of St Peter’s churchyard.
Additionally, the Duke of Burgundy, an endangered butterfly, may potentially inhabit the area, supported by the abundance of its primary food plant, Primrose, though no sightings were made in 2020. Ecological surveys are recommended before any management changes are introduced to preserve this biodiversity. Organizations such as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust may offer support for such surveys.
Key Findings
Rare Butterfly Species Recorded
- Small Blue
- Status: Near Threatened (Red List), High Priority (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation).
- Habitat: Prefers Kidney Vetch, abundant in the south-western Field and St Peter’s churchyard.
- Notes: This colony highlights the significance of maintaining and enhancing local habitats.
- Marsh Fritillary
- Status: Vulnerable (Red List), Top Priority (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation).
- Habitat: Damp areas and unfertilized chalk downs.
- Notes: A single adult was recorded, suggesting conservation efforts could encourage breeding.
- Grizzled Skipper
- Status: Vulnerable (Red List), High Priority (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation).
- Habitat: A possible colony in the north-western Field requires further surveys for confirmation.
- Small Heath
- Status: Near Threatened (Red List), Low Priority (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation).
- Habitat: Found mainly along the northern Field boundary and in St Peter’s churchyard.
2020 Butterfly Species Recorded
- Total species: 24 (out of 62 UK resident and regularly breeding species).
- Conservation Status Breakdown:
- 2 Vulnerable species: Grizzled Skipper, Marsh Fritillary.
- 2 Near Threatened species: Small Blue, Small Heath.
- Remaining species: Least Concern.
Full Species List by Family
- Hesperiidae (Skippers):
Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Small/Essex Skipper. - Pieridae (Whites & Yellows):
Brimstone, Clouded Yellow, Large White, Orange Tip, Small White. - Nymphalidae (Browns, Fritillaries & Aristocrats):
Comma, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Marsh Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Silver Washed Fritillary, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood. - Lycaenidae (Coppers, Hairstreaks & Blues):
Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Blue.
Wildflowers and Plants Recorded
Black Garden Field and St Peter’s churchyard are rich in biodiversity, hosting numerous wildflower species critical for butterfly survival, including:
- Key Wildflowers: Kidney Vetch, Primrose, Common Spotted Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Knapweed, Wild Marjoram, Yellow Rattle, and Scabious.
- Additional Flora: Broomrape, Bloody Cranesbill, Meadow Cranesbill, Mallow, Ox Eye Daisy, Crested Dog’s Tail grass, Goat’s Beard, Dark Mullein, Fox-and-Cubs, Hawkbits, and Vetches/Trefoils.
Management Recommendations
Current Practices
The Field is currently managed in a way that supports conservation, with late-season grass cutting that allows wildflower seeds to disperse. However, there is room for improvement:
- Grass Management: It is unclear whether cut grass is removed from the Field. Removing it is crucial to prevent nutrient buildup, which favors coarse grasses over finer grasses and wildflowers.
- Livestock Grazing: Introducing cattle, ponies, sheep, or goats could help maintain biodiversity by controlling invasive grasses and encouraging wildflower growth.
Churchyard Management
St Peter’s churchyard, particularly the eastern section, is sensitively managed, allowing wildflowers to bloom and set seed. This practice supports butterfly populations and should be continued.
Conservation Funding Opportunities
Recent grants highlight potential funding options:
- Small Blue wildflower bank creation (St Julian’s Meadow, Greenwood Park).
- Conservation for Duke of Burgundy and Marsh Fritillary (Wiltshire).
- Habitat creation for Small Blue (Box Hill).
Local organizations such as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation may offer guidance and support for securing grants.
Conclusion
Black Garden Field is a vital haven for butterflies and wildflowers, supporting rare and threatened species. Maintaining and enhancing its unique habitat through targeted management and conservation efforts will ensure its continued biodiversity. An ongoing survey program and habitat-sensitive management practices are essential for preserving this ecological treasure.