The Greensand Trust has developed a new butterfly trail for both its flagship sites, Rushmere Country Park near Leighton Buzzard and Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve, in partnership with young artist Eleanor Archer following her involvement with the Trust volunteering as a Youth Ranger.

The trail comprises nine trail markers that feature facts about native butterfly species alongside original artworks, painted by Eleanor and reproduced onto aluminium for longevity.

“Eleanor’s paintings are not only beautiful, but are also faithful representations of native species,” remarked Dr Sue Raven, a senior ecologist at The Trust. “Hopefully Eleanor’s artistic talent will help us to enthuse other young people about these wonderful creatures.”

Eleanor, now 16 but was 15 when the butterflies were painted, joined The Greensand Trust as a Youth Ranger in 2024 and later as a work experience student. During this time, she worked with the Trust’s education and ranger teams – her favourite experiences were working alongside Rangers Gary and Lilly.

During her work experience she was tasked with researching native butterfly species by colleagues in the Visitor Services team. This developed into an artistic project in which she chose to paint the butterflies she had researched after her work experience placement came to an end.

When Eleanor returned with her paintings, Communications Manager Kayte was elated: “Rushmere Country Park is well known for its seasonal hand-painted trails through the park and these paintings offered us a perfect fit. We’re so grateful to Eleanor and her family for allowing us to use these paintings which will now feature at both Rushmere and Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve.”

The butterfly trails are a charity fundraiser for The Greensand Trust and are running throughout the summer holidays. Eleanor’s personal favourite is the ‘Holly Blue’ – come along and find yours! There is no need to book and trail leaflets cost £4 each, including a treat at the end.

For Eleanor this project incorporates her key interests: art and nature. Hoping to work in zoology, her next step is to study art, biology and geography at Walton High Sixth Form in Milton Keynes. Reflecting on the project she said: “Drawing and painting animals helps me understand their anatomy, which in turn helps me understand them better.”

Working with The Greensand Trust in this way “feels good and unexpected” for Eleanor, with proud mum Louise adding: “We’re very proud of what she’s achieved, and this is a great start to her nature-based artistic career.”

Become a Youth Ranger at The Greensand Trust!

The Youth Ranger Scheme, where it all began, is an annual 6-month programme for young people aged 13 - 18 which runs from September to February offering young people the opportunity to volunteer in conservation, whilst developing confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences.  Supported by The Greensand Trust staff, young people develop new skills, gain work experience, have fun and achieve a 'Wild Place Guardian Award' as part of the John Muir Award in recognition of their work.

This year the scheme will take place at Rushmere Country Park and applications are open now. Although it starts in the autumn, places are limited so now’s the time to apply to join. To find out more or to sign up visit our Youth Rangers page on here, call us on 01234 743666 or email: [email protected]