Rare species at lakes

All nature enthusiasts are being invited down to Craigavon Lakes on Wednesday, October 6, to help launch their new Nature Reserve following the discovery of a rare plant and butterfly species.

A colony of Bee Orchids and the Real’s Wood White butterfly were discovered in 2008 and since then the site has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

Impressively, Craigavon Lakes has the largest population of this unique butterfly in the UK while the colony of Bee Orchids is reputed to be the largest colony in Ireland with over 1,000 plants having been recorded in the area.

The Bee Orchid is a beautiful purple flower that appears to have a bumble bee resting at the centre of its flowers. It is generally found growing on limestone, semi-dry turf or in open areas of woodland. Their resting place at Craigavon Lakes has had large quantities of limestone waste deposited on it in the past creating conditions that are ideal for the growth of Bee Orchids.

The best time of year to see this plant in full bloom is between May and June.

The Real’s White Wood butterfly has recently been identified as a separate species from the Wood White and is only found in Ireland. It breeds in open habitats such as rough grassland, areas of light scrub, flower rich meadows, and road verges, all of which can be found within the Reserve.

The butterflies can be seen in flight in May and June.

As well as these two rare species, the Reserve also boasts a wealth of other important plants and animals due to its areas of wet meadow and dry grassland.

Some of the more common plants which can be found here include Ox-eye Daisy, Common Spotted Orchid, Sweet Vernal Grass and Knapweed. A variety of butterflies such as the Common Blue, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell and occasionally the Clouded Yellow can also be spotted while the large day flying Narrow Bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth with its dramatic colouration can frequently be seen.

Bats, foxes and rabbits are often seen as well as a wide range of birds such as Stonechats, Robins, Siskins, Willow Warblers, Mute Swans, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Golden Eye and Coots to name but a few.

“The Nature Reserve at Craigavon Lakes is a must-see for all nature lovers,” commented Councillor Mairead O’Dowd, Vice-Chair of the Leisure Services Committee.

“We are very proud, excited and privileged to be able to boast the Bee Orchid and the Real’s Wood White butterfly on our site as these are two very rare and beautiful species that we hope will be able to thrive and multiply at the Lakes. It really is a haven of beauty with a multitude of wildlife that makes it the perfect place to discover plants and animals or to simply enjoy a walk with the family.”

The launch of the Nature Reserve will take place on Wednesday at 10am. Members of the public are welcome to come along and join in the activities which will include an informative talk, guided walk and a tree planting ceremony.

For more information contact Andy Griggs, Events, Education and Activities Officer on 3831 1673 or simply meet at the Barn Museum at Tannaghmore Gardens at 10am on the day.