BlogIn 2022, we launched the Brimstone Project with people from our community around Heasley Mill in North Devon to support Brimstone butterflies in Devon. The aim was to raise awareness and provide essential resources for their survival—starting with the right food plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adult butterflies. While most people know butterflies need flowers, few realise how crucial specific host plants are for their lifecycle.
To help, Brambleby Books donated 30 Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) plants. Local households received these to grow in hedges, pots, or gardens. The goal was to create mini habitats where female Brimstones could safely lay eggs. Encouragingly, the project sparked enthusiasm among participants, many of whom were eager to support wildlife at home.
By Spring 2023, we began seeing signs of success. With the Buckthorn taking root, Brimstone butterflies returned. A week before this article was written, we spotted our first male Brimstone of the season—an exciting moment for the entire team.
This moment echoed our earlier Primroses post, where we noted similar seasonal shifts across North Devon. These changes, though subtle, signal the start of butterfly season and a broader transition into spring. Each sighting reassures us that even small-scale community actions can lead to meaningful environmental change.
In addition to Devon, Brimstone butterflies can be spotted across various UK regions. Understanding their habitat preferences and migration behaviour helps conservationists track changes in butterfly populations over time. These butterflies are not just beautiful, but are also important indicators of ecosystem health.
If you’re interested in learning more about Brimstone butterflies in Devon, or want to start your own mini butterfly haven, we recommend visiting Butterfly Conservation UK. They offer excellent advice on host plants, butterfly identification, and species protection across the UK.
