Dartmoor National Park Authority

23 June 2009

Butterflies of Devon at High Moorland Visitor Centre

July is the best time to see butterflies on Dartmoor with up to 25 species present (nearly half the British total!). As well as nationally rare species such high brown fritillary there also overlooked gems such as the purple hairstreak, ringlet and white admiral.  Visitors to Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown can be sure of seeing some of Devon’s wonderful butterflies in a superb new watercolour exhibition by Chagford based artist Eleanor Ludgate. The exhibition runs from 26 June to 22 July. Eleanor has been working as an artist for over 30 years. Born in Surrey she studied at Guildford College of Art before moving to Devon in 1970. She became a professional wildlife artist having been inspired by the rich diversity of wildlife and the beauty of the Devon countryside. She has an international reputation for capturing her subjects in exquisite detail.

Eleanor Ludgate said: ‘Butterflies are a subject very dear to my heart. I never grow tired of painting these elusive jewels of the air. It is amazing how long it can take to paint just one butterfly, as I like to get it looking as perfect as possible, in the correct setting, and usually life size. Having been observing and painting butterflies and insects for many years, I am acutely aware of their fragile existence and their decline in recent years. I hope that this exhibition will in a small way help to raise awareness of the importance of these wonderful creatures.’ There will be over 20 original works on display and prints as well as information and a film from Butterfly Conservation focussing on the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project.

Jenny Plackett, Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project Officer, Butterfly Conservation, said:

‘Dartmoor and Exmoor are the focus of the project, working to restore the fortunes of the high brown, marsh and heath fritillary butterflies. The project provides advice and support to landowners on habitat management, if these species occur on their land, or if there is potential for habitat restoration. The work is targeted within priority areas of Dartmoor and Exmoor where the most important populations of these species are found.’

The Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project is part funded by Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund.

Butterfly Conservation raises awareness of the extent of butterfly declines and carries out practical work to benefit butterfly species.  They have a network of several thousand volunteers, co-ordinated by local branches and staff.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has also organised a special programme of guided walks to allow you to experience the beauty of Dartmoor’s butterflies. Join an experienced Guide on 17 or 24 July on Trendlebere Down (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 784 793) at 1.30 pm for a three hour butterfly walk. Cost £5.00 per adult children under 14 free.

If you would like to experience the butterflies of Dartmoor’s wonderful haymeadows then join Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Guide on 24 and 28 June or 2, 8 and 12 July. Each walk starts at 2 pm and lasts for 2 hours. The haymeadow walks include a cream tea at either the Lydgate House Hotel or Beechwood Guest House. The cost is £6.80 per person and booking on theses popular walks is essential. Please telephone (01822) 890414.

Ends

For further information

Eleanor Ludgate, Artist

Tel: (01647) 433287

eleanor.ludgate@yahoo.co.uk

www.devonsnatureinart.com (external link, opens new window)

For further information from Dartmoor National Park Authority

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

For further information from Butterfly Conservation

Jenny Plackett, Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project Officer

Tel: 0300 060 2405

jplackett@butterlyconservation.org

www.butterfly-conservation.org (external link, opens new window)

www.devon-butterflies.org.uk (external link, opens new window)

Notes for Editors

Eleanor Ludgate has a permanent exhibition with new works being introduced  in the Ludgate Fine Art Gallery, 20 The Square, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AB.

High Moorland Visitor Centre Gallery Programme 2009 – 2010

Wild River, Cold Stone. The Story of Dartmoor - An exhibition of photographs and the screening of a new film by Chris Chapman and Kate King.

24 July 2009 – 2 September 2009

Then & Now - A photographic exhibition of Dartmoor in the 1970s and today, by Devon photographer Ray Vine

4 Sept - 14 Oct 09

Dartmoor - Water and Light -  An exhibition of paintings - by Devon artist Mark Abday

16 Oct - 18 Nov 09

Near & Far - An exhibition of Dartmoor images by four local photographers

20 Nov 2009 - January 2010

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .

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There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.

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Page updated 22 June 2009