Ten adult butterflies were released into vegetated areas in June 2018, with 11 eggs placed in secure conditions, in the hope that they would grow into adults ready to be released into the estate in early 2019. In May 2019, the first butterfly emerged and was released into the estate. Ten more were brought to Calke later in May to increase chances of a successful reintroduction.
In summer, the ranger team have been doing regular butterfly counts, called transects, to record butterfly species and their numbers in certain areas of Calke. The results of the transects are sent to Ken Orpe, the County Butterfly Recorder. This vital work helps us to monitor butterfly species, and ensure that we can maintain a healthy environment for butterflies and other wildlife.
Planting future veteran trees
In the winter of 2018, we planted more than 10,000 new trees in the wider estate as part of a collaboration with Native Forestry, to help expand Calke's existing woodlands and create valuable new habitats.
We planted a mixture of deciduous, native trees such as oak, beech, hornbeam and cherry, as well as hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel. Some of these trees may one day be classed as veteran trees, when they reach a ripe old age!
Over the next few years we plan to plant more trees, using funds raised from the property raffle. Previous raffles have helped us repair the dry stone walling around the estate and purchase a new Tramper, an off-road mobility scooter, to help visitors explore more of Calke.