More than 200 native and exotic butterflies have been released in to Blenheim Palace's newly renovated Butterfly House.

A member of Blenheim Palace staff helped release dozens of exotic species from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines alongside a selection of native butterflies in time for the start of the February Half Term holidays.

Alongside the live butterflies, staff also delivered around 180 pupae from Africa and the Philippines which have been placed in the Butterfly House's hatchery area where visitors can see them develop within their chrysalises before being released in to the main area.

Garden staff have planted a wide variety of nectar-rich flowers including marguerite, black eyed Susan's, hydrangea and hibiscus. There are also sugar bowls and fruit from which the butterflies can feed.

Head of Gardens, Hilary Wood, said: “It's an amazing sight to see the house filled with exotic butterflies once again and we're expecting many more to hatch out over the coming days.”

The butterflies share their home with a colony of Zebra Finch.

ENDS

WHAT:            Butterfly House at Blenheim Palace

WHEN:            Open from 14 February – 20 December

WHY VISIT:    See up-close a beautiful variety of butterflies and watch them emerge from their chrysalis.

ADMISSION:  Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £13.50 / Child £6.60 (Age 5-16) /

Concession £10.20 / Family £36.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

WEBSITE:       www.blenheimpalace.com for more information

INFO LINE:     0800 849 6500           

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01209 822194 or 07815 709548

Notes to editors:

• Opening times and ticket pricing applies
• Blenheim Palace is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
• Blenheim Palace is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England www.treasurehouses.co.uk

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