Butterfly World, Stockton
Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:41 am
The coming Easter was time for my annual visit to see my folks in "Sunny Sunderland", dubbed that by my daughters as virtually evertime we go there the sun shines. Despite the gloomy outlook we weren't to be disappointed again as the sun did put in long appearances and the temperatures were a tad warmer
than those we left behind in Surrey.
Anyway, on the way up on the A19 (Friday 29th) I noted a sign for "Butterfly World" and decided to check it out on our return journey (Tuesday 4th). I'm so glad I did as it was definitely a worthwhile visit (even though my stop caused me to catch the M25 in rush 'hour'
).
Although the premises are smaller than Wisley, the plants are purposely selected to feed the larval stages and to supply nectar to the imagos. Only a couple of rotting fruit feeding stations were necessary. The butterflies were more numerous, very active and I barely saw a deformed specimen when compared to Wisley. This more natural set-up means that many of the butterflies get to carry out their normal life cycle and the proprietor (Gareth I think forgot to ask
) who is very hands-on, can maintain his stock by this and the breeding program from butterfly farms in tropical locations. Gareth told me that a percentage of his stock actually goes back to the wild (any views on this
) He also said that he can repair any insect with a broken wing (glues it or a false one back on
) and they are able to fly again. This is necessary if it is important stock he needs to rear on. Finally he needs to be a keen horticulturalist to maintain his plants. Ladybird pest control is part of this, as is picking off stick insects (we now have three new pets to look after
)
In addition to the butterflies there is an added attraction of a Meerkat den as well a small selection of reptiles. If you're in the North East area Butterfly World, Preston Park is a must visit (or three
). Entrance for the price of a pint (Surrey) and no queueing for hours to get in too
.
Phil
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)
Anyway, on the way up on the A19 (Friday 29th) I noted a sign for "Butterfly World" and decided to check it out on our return journey (Tuesday 4th). I'm so glad I did as it was definitely a worthwhile visit (even though my stop caused me to catch the M25 in rush 'hour'
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Although the premises are smaller than Wisley, the plants are purposely selected to feed the larval stages and to supply nectar to the imagos. Only a couple of rotting fruit feeding stations were necessary. The butterflies were more numerous, very active and I barely saw a deformed specimen when compared to Wisley. This more natural set-up means that many of the butterflies get to carry out their normal life cycle and the proprietor (Gareth I think forgot to ask
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
In addition to the butterflies there is an added attraction of a Meerkat den as well a small selection of reptiles. If you're in the North East area Butterfly World, Preston Park is a must visit (or three
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)