In the wider countryside, farmland and hedgerows are an important habitat for many insects.
The plant species found growing within a hedgerow characterise the butterflies and moths found and the addition of hedgerow trees, such as oak or elm add to that diversity and provide shelter. Flower-rich field margins can support many caterpillar food plants and adult nectar sources for butterflies, moths and other endangered insects such as bees.
Hedgerows and field margins
Key features:
- Availability of larval food plant shrubs such as Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Holly, Barberry, buckthorn and elm
- The presence of mature trees such as elm or oak within the hedgerow is beneficial
- Flower-rich margins with larval food plants such as Garlic Mustard, campion, nettles and grasses and many nectar sources
- Sheltered edges and intersections
Characteristic butterflies: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet
Characteristic moths: Barberry Carpet, Celypha woodiana, White-spotted Pinion
Orchards
Key features:
- A traditional orchard is defined as having at least five fruit trees
Characteristic butterflies: Red Admiral, Comma, Speckled Wood
Characteristic moths: Mistletoe Marble and Red-belted Clearwing