THE recent butterfly event at Lammermoor Native Gardens was held in perfect weather and attracted a good turnout.

Local bird watcher Greg Thomas said it was particularly encouraging to see so many young parents bring their children along.

"The children absolutely enjoyed the morning and their animated enthusiasm gave the event a light and festive air," Mr Thomas said.

Guest speaker was David St Henry whose passion for butterflies quickly possessed his audience and from the outset, his lively presentation engaged their attention and involvement.

"The high point of the morning came when, with net in hand, Dave took his enthralled audience on a butterfly hunting expedition, capturing numerous different species and pointing out their peculiarities," Mr Thomas said.

"After Dave's engaging and very informative presentation everyone joined in a tree planting to commemorate the event, the trees were specially chosen to provide butterfly habitat and will be part of an ongoing planting project intended to maintain and increase their numbers."

The day was also the inaugural event of the Friends of Lammermoor Native Gardens - this group will be holding regular Sunday events at Lammermoor.

The emphasis will be on providing interesting and enjoyable activities for children, so parents will be free to learn more about the natural history of the gardens, its' plants and animals and its' importance as an environmental reserve in an area undergoing rapid urbanization.

"After all of the excitement, we enjoyed a sausage sizzle put on by the Fitzroy Basin Association and Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchment," he said.