Trelawney Garden Leisure at Ashford has created a mini resort for butterflies and other friendly bugs like ladybirds and bees complete with an insect hotel, a pool and a nectar bar.

Peter Burks, Regional Manager of Trelawney at Ashford in Barnstaple, says: “The insect airport is open and we’re hoping for plenty of happy landings here at the garden centre!  We’ve stocked our nectar bar with lots of sweet smelling and brightly coloured flowering plants and we’re ready for our six-legged visitors to check-in.”

To link with the Butterfly Conservation’s, ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’, from May 18th until May 26th, the garden centre is advising customers on how to make a butterfly-friendly garden.

Peter continued: “The 56 species of butterflies that are currently in Britain and Ireland are declining rapidly so we thought it would be a good idea to get involved with the ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’ and do all we can to educate our customers on how they can help. 

We’ve created a display of plants that we’re calling our nectar bar that butterflies are particularly partial to and are offering visitors lots of free advice on how to have a butterfly-friendly garden, patio or window box.

We’ll be on-hand to answer any questions people might have, as well as advise them on the best plants to grow to attract the insects.  We also have an insect hotel on-site, which butterflies often use, so we will be able to tell our visitors all about it as well as advise them on how they can build something similar at home. Younger visitors to our restaurant will also be able to colour in a butterfly picture to take home."

The Butterfly Conservation was formed by a small group of dedicated naturalists in 1968 following the decline of butterflies.  It now aims to conserve threatened butterflies and moths in the UK.  It also promoted the scientific studies of butterflies, moths, and methods needed to conserve their habitats as well as safeguarding important sites and landscapes for the insects.

Peter added: “Butterflies are extremely important to gardeners because as they feed on nectar they transfer pollen on their bodies and legs from one plant to another.

We hope lots of people come along to learn more about how they can help.  It’s important for us all to do our bit when it comes to welcoming this new style of holidaymaker to the county.”

Trelawney at Ashford will be offering advice on how to make a garden butterfly-friendly from Sunday, May 18 until Monday, May 26 to tie in with the Butterfly Conservation’s, ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’.

For more information, please call Trelawney@Ashford, which is located on Strand Lane in Ashford, Barnstaple, on 01271 342880 or visit www.trelawney.co.uk.