Location: Meadow Cafe
Thanks for stopping by. Here you can learn about the wildlife in the park, live data and how the two are interconnected.
White-letter Hairstreaks...
...are the pollinator of this location.
About
White-letter Hairstreak butterflies are small butterflies, about the size of an adult human’s thumbnail. They have a white ‘W’ mark across the underside of their wings and settle with their wings closed. The species declined during the 1970s in the UK, due to the loss of elm trees from Dutch Elm Disease. They are recovering in places and we have some living here in Central Park!
Where to see them
On a sunny day, look around the area opposite the Pitch and putt café in Central Park. They fly in spiralling patterns and can be hard to spot as they spend much of their time high up in elm trees, which are the food plant for their caterpillars. The butterflies sometimes come down to feed on nectar from shrubs, creeping thistle, bramble and ragwort.
When to see them
Adult butterflies are usually seen flying around on a warm sunny day between July and mid-August.
Current weather in the park
Below you can see real-time weather information from the nearby environmental sensor. Is it the season to spot this species? Check if you can correlate the changes in temperature and humidity with the chance of spotting this species in the park.
Air quality in the park
Living Lab collects real-time air quality readings from sensor located near the pond area of Central Park.
Healthy Tip: Clean air benefits not only the environment but, also your health. Consider choosing green routes the next time you go on a trip across the city.
Other wildlife in the park
Feeling adventurous?
Why don't explore our beautiful park and check out all the signs with QR codes whilst learning about species inhabiting different areas of the park? Go ahead and find them all!
Get involved
Get involved and learn more about the Green Minds project, and our amazing wildlife in the parks and green spaces of Plymouth.