WEBBS Garden Centre in Wychbold has become a ‘species champion’ for the popular small tortoiseshell butterfly in support of West Midlands Butterfly Conservation.

The conservation organization is about to publish its first book on the butterflies of Birmingham and the Black Country, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

Webbs’ chairman, Ed Webb said: “We spent quite some time debating which species to choose. But the small tortoiseshell is a perfect link with Webbs. They are one of the most frequently seen butterflies in gardens and will be familiar to everyone due to their distinctive yellow and orange upper markings.”

Mike Williams from West Midlands Butterfly Conservation added: “The book will celebrate and raise awareness of the 44 different butterfly species that people in the region can enjoy in their gardens, nature reserves and the wider countryside, but it is only with the help of species champions such as Webbs Garden Centres that we can raise the funding needed to push this exciting project forward. We are delighted that they have become species champions of the small tortoiseshell butterfly and hope that several other organisations and individuals will be inspired to do the same for their favourite butterfly.”

Mr Webb added: “As a garden centre we actively encourage our customers to seek out butterfly-friendly plants and our own stunning gardens at Wychbold - which are open at no charge to visitors - are packed with plants that are a perfect butterfly habitat.

“Webbs is very pleased to help raise the profile of butterflies in the West Midlands region and support the publication of the planned book. It makes perfect sense for us to become a species champion and support butterfly conservation. We wish West Midlands Butterfly Conservation every success in their conservation efforts.”

West Midlands Butterfly Conservation is currently looking for high-quality photographs of butterflies to include in its book, particularly of eggs, caterpillars and chrysalises. It is also seeking suggestions of favourite butterfly walks in the area. Anyone who would like to help or get involved with the project, should contact Mr Williams at mike@stagborough.fsnet.co.uk. The book is due to be published in Spring of 2016 and will be available to order via westmidlands-butterflies.org.uk.