The rare Tansy beetle has received another boost to its conservation in the form of a blessing from the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
Sophie Badrick received a personal letter from the Archbishop after she it was announced she had been appointed as Tansy Beetle Conservation Officer for Buglife. “I was really surprised to receive the letter but it’s wonderful to discover that the Archbishop is a champion for these amazing little creatures.”
In his letter the Archbishop said that his gardeners had grown Tansy flowers, the main food plant for the beetles, at Bishopthorpe Palace to improve the habitat specifically for the beetles. He also noted how the beetles were inspirational for many of the works produced by school children who visit the Palace, before wishing Sophie well in running the Tansy Beetle Champions Project and finishing the letter ‘with every blessing’.
The Tansy Beetle Champions project aims to get people involved in the conservation of the Tansy Beetle by offering volunteering opportunities and running a series of events throughout the York area. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Sophie
Photo credit – Tansy beetle (Chrysolina graminis) (c) Steven Falk
