More than 500 butterflies from around the world will be released into the tropical Butterfly House at Blenheim Palace in time for February Half Term, 16 – 24 February.

Head Gardener, Hilary Wood, will release dozens of exotic species from South America, Africa, Australia and South Asia as well as a selection of native butterflies into the specially designed lepidopterarium.

Alongside the live butterflies, staff will also deliver around 180 pupae from Africa and the Philippines which will be 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.

Each year 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. It is such an incredible process of nature to watch the butterflies emerge and for children and adults to learn more about these fantastic insects.

The butterflies will share their home with a colony of lively zebra finches.

What:  Butterfly House at Blenheim Palace When:  Open from 16 February  Why Visit: See up-close a beautiful variety of butterflies and moths and watch them emerge from their chrysalis. Admission: Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £16.00 / Child £7.40 (Age 5-16) / Family £43.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children) Website: blenheimpalace.com 

ENDS For more information please contact: Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548