Introduction
In an unusual year for butterflies, I had the opportunity to observe the flight of the meadow browns in an unexpected setting: under the roar of a commercial jet. This experience led me to reflect on the intersection between nature and aviation, and how these two seemingly disparate worlds can intersect in surprising ways.
The Setting
On one of the longest days of the year, my mother and I walked through the Warwickshire countryside, near her home, under the flight path of Birmingham Airport. The planes are so loud that we have to pause our conversation as they thunder overhead. This is second nature to my mother, but it's jarring for me, especially since the landscape looks as if it might have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.
We walk along tracks worn by time, people, and wildlife, shaded by gnarled oaks and flanked by unflailed hedges that burst with life. The scene is peaceful, bucolic, ancient. Then the sky fills with a commercial jet and the present hits us with a bang.
Wildlife
Amid the din, we make out chiffchaffs and great tits, robins and yellowhammers. Grasses reach up to my shoulders but are as tall as my much shorter mother, and sometimes I lose her in them. I get lost in them too, as meadow brown butterflies dance for a mate and I stop to greet each one of them.
Conclusion
This experience has made me reflect on the importance of preserving nature and wildlife, even in areas where aviation is common. It's essential to find a balance between human development and environmental protection, so we can continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature.
References
Source: The Guardian Environment