Butterfly release for Attenborough's 100th

A butterfly farm is preparing to release 100 butterflies into its attraction to mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm will host an event on Friday 8 May with classes from two local schools, Stratford-upon-Avon Primary and Thomas Jolyffe Primary, to take part in the release.

It will see 100 blue morpho butterflies released into the attraction's Rainforest Flight Area.

The venue's owner Clive Farrell said: "Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to care deeply about wildlife and the environment. It is a real privilege to celebrate his 100th birthday at the butterfly farm, especially as he has visited us in the past."

He added: "To share this moment with young people makes it even more special, as they are the future custodians of our planet."

The Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Dani Hunter and Stratford-upon-Avon MP Manuela Perteghella will also be in attendance to see the release of the butterflies.

Blue morphos are striking insects, native to the rainforests of Mexico, Central America and South America.

They have short lifespans, of about 115 days, spending most of their lives eating and reproducing.

The species is threatened by deforestation and over-collection.

A spokesperson for the butterfly farm said: "This symbolic gesture celebrates not only Sir David's extraordinary legacy but also aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the beauty of nature."

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