The Small Blue is a rare butterfly in Scotland and often exists in isolated pockets, particularly along the east coast of the country, writes Apithanny Bourne. As our smallest resident butterfly species and a habitat specialist, the Small Blue can be particularly vulnerable to changes in land use. Thankfully, a dedicated group established by Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and Butterfly Conservation – actively supported by Carnoustie golf course, is helping to shape the fate of Small Blue along the Angus coastline. What began as a five year project in 2012 is now entering its eighth year – well supported by an enthusiastic network of volunteers.
Small Blue (Cupido minimus)
The initial aim of the project was to improve understanding of Small Blue distribution and that of its host plant, Kidney Vetch. Healthy populations of Kidney Vetch are essential to the butterfly’s success, as it is the only food plant used by the caterpillars. To achieve this aim, efforts to record both species were consequently stepped up – with volunteers performing annual surveys along the coast and also at potential inland sites. Training events and a postcard campaign were helpful in recruiting transect walkers and raising awareness. To date, nearly 100 volunteers have been trained to survey for the butterfly.
Small Blue identification training day
Golf courses are not often associated with biodiversity, but Carnoustie Golf Course was identified during surveying as being one of the main Small Blue strongholds in Angus. Expanding suitable habitat from this area to encourage butterfly dispersal therefore became a priority. Although the original project was coming to an end, it naturally developed into a new initiative to plant Kidney Vetch. With plants kindly grown by Celtica Wildflowers and volunteers, the Small Blue interest group have been able to distribute hundreds of Kidney Vetch plugs (see images below) to create new patches of habitat at Monifieth, Blamossie, East Haven and Carnoustie.
Green manager at Carnoustie Golf Club, Craig Boath, has been proactive in ensuring the course remains a safe haven for this lovely butterfly. A substantial wildflower area has been created around the club house to support pollinators generally, whilst kidney vetch plugs have been planted along the coastal paths. Involving Woodlands Primary School in Carnoustie with the planting has allowed many children to get outdoors and champion the special wildlife found on their doorstep.
In 2019 the project received the exciting news that it had been awarded the RSPB Nature of Scotland ‘Community Initiative Award’ – in recognition of its dynamic and community focussed approach. This was shortly followed by a ‘Local Government Biodiversity Project award’ at a ceremony in London. Eager to share these impressive achievements, Carnoustie Golf Club generously hosted all involved at an event to celebrate the project’s success and share plans for the future. This year will see continued planting at existing and new sites, whilst interpretation boards about the butterfly will be installed on the course.
Butterfly facts created by Woodlands Primary School pupils to decorate the celebration event
Nature of Scotland awards on display at Carnoustie Golf Club
The Angus Small Blue project is proof that support from local businesses and communities is an ideal framework for a successful conservation project. In a sector where resources are often lacking – enthusiasm from local people is often key. Whilst there are still many challenges facing the Small Blue butterfly as our land comes under increasing pressure, it’s clear that colonies in Angus are being given the best chance possible.
Images 1, 7 and 8 – Apithanny Bourne; all others Catherine Lloyd
Scottish pollinators 