Study

Linear features and butterflies: The importance of green lanes

  • Published source details Dover J., Sparks T., Clarke S., Gobbett K. & Glossop S. (2000) Linear features and butterflies: The importance of green lanes. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 80, 227-242.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Plant new hedges

Action Link
Butterfly and Moth Conservation
  1. Plant new hedges

    A replicated, site comparison study in 1987–1988 and 1997 on two arable farms in England, UK (Dover et al. 2000) found that hedgerows did not have a higher abundance or species richness of butterflies than grass banks between fields. At one farm in 1987–1988, the abundance and species richness of butterflies was similar along hedgerows (abundance: 9–12 butterflies/100 m; richness: 11–13 species) and grass banks (abundance: 5–8 butterflies/100 m; richness: 7–9 species). In 1997, at a second farm, the abundance and species richness of butterflies was similar along hedgerows (abundance: 10 butterflies/100 m; richness: 1.5 species) and grass banks (abundance: 6 butterflies/100 m; richness: 1.1 species). At a farm in Hampshire, from May–September, butterflies were surveyed 13 times along four hedgerows and three grass banks in 1987, and 10 times along eight hedgerows and four grass banks in 1988. At a farm in Cheshire, from July–August 1997, butterflies were surveyed five times along 16 hedgerows and 12 grass banks.

    (Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)

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