We were all-a-flutter here at Birling Estate late this Summer. In August, three Straw Belle moths were spotted in our chalk grassland SSSI. Why all the fuss? Well, these little beauties are seriously rare. The Straw Belle is an endangered moth species in the UK, found at only 10 locations across Kent and Surrey – so discovering them here is pretty special – with habitat loss threatening their survival, every population counts.
Straw Belles thrive in sunny, herb-rich grasslands, relying on wildflower species like trefoils and vetches for food. They also need a mosaic of bare chalky ground and taller grass tussocks throughout their lifecycle. Apparently, our conservation grazed chalk grassland provides the perfect home for these delicate moths.
But with so few suitable habitats that suit their needs, the Straw Belles need all the help they can get. That’s why we’ll be working with Butterfly Conservation – who popped by for a visit in September – to learn about how we can keep this previous moth population protected and to manage the habitat to provide the ideal conditions for this Priority Species to flourish.
So, fingers crossed for even more fluttering friends next summer as we continue to work on preserving our rich natural heritage.
Stay tuned for more updates from the wild side of Birling Estate!
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