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Free trees given out to grow butterfly population

Daisy Reinschin Hull
Sean Clough A green butterfly sits on a twig. Its wings look like leaves. Sean Clough
Butterfly City wants to increase the population of Brimstone butterflies in Hull

A community project aiming to increase the butterfly population is giving away small trees for people to plant.

Butterfly City, in Hull, which was set up in 2019 by Hull City Council and supported by Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy, said people would be able to collect free alder buckthorn saplings from nine pick-up points across the city in a bid to help boost the numbers of Brimstone butterflies.

Director Sean Clough said the group was giving away 1500 buckthorns free to residents, community groups, schools and organisations to plant.

Hardy described the scheme as "absolutely brilliant".

Clough added that the leaves of alder buckthorns, which should not be confused with sea buckthorn, are the only food source for the caterpillars of Brimstone butterflies.

BBC/Daisy Reinsch A man is smiling at the camera. He is wearing glasses and a red waterproof jacket. He's standing in front of a hedge. BBC/Daisy Reinsch
Sean Clough says female Brimstones can detect a buckthorn from up to three miles away

The trees will be given away at the following times and locations:

  • EMS, Marfleet Lane - Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT
  • East Park Animal Education Centre - daily from 10:30 to 15:00
  • Rainbow Community Garden - Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:30
  • The Orchard Centre - Tuesday 17 November and Tuesday 24 November from 10:00 to 16:00
  • Pickering Park Aviary - daily from 10:30 to 15:00
  • Grain - Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 17:30
  • Scrapstore - Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00
  • Plant and Paint - Monday and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00 and Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00
  • Bransholme Chat - Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00 and Thursday to Saturday from 13:00 to 15:00.

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