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For centuries
Prees Heath
was an open heathland common. It was used for warfare training during WWI and as a bomber airfield during WWII
. The old aircraft control tower is still present and provides a reminder of part of the areas past history.
The heathland was gradually destroyed during the decades following WWII
.
Fortunately a small part was
given protection as a Site of Special Interest in 1991
. Thanks to the great efforts by Butterfly Conservation, Cheshire and Shropshire Wildlife Trusts and members of the public during the Prees Heath Appeal sufficient money was raised for Butterfly Conservation to purchase 148 acres of the heathland. Work towards restoring the heathland to its former glory has already commenced
with funding received from Grantscape and English Nature.
Prees Heath is the last place in the West Midlands where the threatened
S
ilver-studded
B
lue butterfly is found. The species has declined
in Britain
by 50 per cent
since 1980.
To survive the Silver-studded Blue butterfly requires the presence of ants together with open ground containing short heathland vegetation. The females are known to utilise bell and ling heather and bird's foot trefoil, near to ants' nests, when laying their eggs. The chrysalis is formed underground within chambers of the ants nest. The caterpillar is tended by the ants as it feeds on the leaves and shoots of its food plants. The benefit to the ant is a tasty honey-like dew excreted by the caterpillar which the ants find irresistible.
.
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Silver-studded Blue butterfly with attending ants
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Silver-studded Blue butterfly egg
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To see the Silver-studded Blue butterfly visit Prees Heath between mid June and early August. The area also provides good bird watching opportunities throughout the year.
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