Stevenston Beach Local Nature Reserve is buzzing with life as efforts to create a coastal meadow begin to pay off.

The site, which reached the milestone of 20 years as a designated nature reserve in June, is attracting an increasing number of insects including painted lady butterflies, cinnabar moths and a host of bumblebee species.

A number of species that have not been recorded in the area before have also been spotted at the site.

The coastal meadow project began two years ago as a collaboration between the Stevenston FRIENDS volunteer group, North Ayrshire Council’s Streetscene team and North Ayrshire Countryside Rangers, with some areas of grass and wild flowers being allowed to grow and flourish.

A number of amenity paths maintained by the Streetscene team have also been cut through the meadow to provide access for those who wish to enjoy the area.

The site was visited by TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham last year as part of his UK Bioblitz campaign, investigating the extent to which the nation’s wildlife species are under threat.

Ian Cassidy of Stevenston FRIENDS said: “This area is so fantastic at the moment. From what I have seen over the past few weeks, it would seem that every area of expanded habitat made available on the reserve will be immediately populated, including by threatened species on the Red List.

“I’ve spoken to a number of local residents who are not only appreciating the biodiversity gains, but also how attractive the wild areas are.”

“This has been a carefully considered project to provide the perfect balance between amenity grassland and the wild areas that deliver massive biodiversity gains.

“The coastal meadow is bringing a brand new dynamic to this already unique beach reserve and remains the absolute jewel in North Ayrshire’s crown.”

North Ayrshire Countryside Ranger Graeme Walla added: “There is certainly a lot of interesting flora and fauna on the reserve and in the meadow areas, but even the common species are important as they indicate the health of a habitat.

“The common spotted orchid is probably one of the more striking flowers to be found there. We have also discovered a couple of unassuming but interesting moth species in the dunes - the sand dart and the coast dart - which are nationally scarce, or at least very localised species.”

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “More and more people are beginning to appreciate the benefits of wild spaces, and we are thrilled to see such positive results emerging from this project.

“This really promotes the environmental benefits of allowing grass and wild flowers to grow in carefully selected areas, and we hope that North Ayrshire residents and visitors to the area alike continue to enjoy the reserve and the wildlife it is attracting for many years to come.”