Ornate Garden

Pollinators, Bees and Butterflies, Butterfly/Moth Habitat/Feeder

Made from solid FSC timber, this new butterfly/moth feeder/habitat features a special removable feed tray together with a safe over-wintering habitat. The feed tray is designed and coloured to emulate garden nectar sources and utilises a special ultra violet paint which is both visible and attractive to butterflies. Small nectar pots for Wildlife World butterfly food or a sugar/water solution combine with a larger pot suitable for fruit and other attractants.

Although the main house will be used for roosting and hibernating, the opening side door allows the insertion of flower attractants such as buddleia spp. The following may also use the house for hibernating: Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock (often found in sheds and outbuildings) and the Comma butterfly. Additionally if nectar is available, the feeder may help Bumble Bees survive in early spring. Less commonly the Silver Winged Fritillary may use the box to lay eggs (preferably sited in mature trees). The chrysalis could be formed on the roof or internal branches.

Siting
Site the box in a warm sheltered position, out of prevailing winds, ideally to catch the morning sun. Use butterfly food and/or fruit to fill the pots. Insert buddleia flowers, or similar into the main house.

Features
Educational, interactive, made from durable FSC timber, utilises special attrtactive ultra-violet paint coatings - please note that the colour of the ultra-violet feed area may vary.

Why have a Butterfly/Bee Nectar Feeder in the garden? Aside from attracting these elegant insects simply for their beauty, by keeping a butterfly/bee nectar feeder, you can encourage butterflies (and bees) to visit and linger in your garden and benefit the pollination of plantlife in the surrounding area.

Butterfly Facts Butterflies are the second largest group of pollinators after bees. However, as each type of butterfly depends on different plants and places such as woodlands, hedgerows and gardens, they can be a good and early indicator of the health of these particular ecosystems.

Most butterflies prefer plants that are pink, red, purple or yellow. Favourite plants include; buddleia, lavender, sedum, Echinacea and sweet William.

Why have a Bumble Bee Nester in the garden? Separate from common farmed Honey bees, bumble bees have a vital role in the plant pollination process, both in ornamental and food production roles. However, bees worldwide are in decline and their habitats are under threat from loss of habitat, intensive agriculture, development and indiscriminate use of pesticides and herbicides.

By offering Solitary bees a home in a safe and protected environment, you can make a really practical and potentially species saving contribution to conservation and biodiversity whilst benefiting the pollination of plantlife in the surrounding area.