Local success for ‘Woodman’s Follower’ - Key endangered butterflies may have doubled in number
19 July 2010
Small pearl-bordered and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, which are both endangered species in rapid decline in England, are making a welcome comeback in Shropshire and Worcestershire, thanks to conservation work funded by Natural England.
Over the last few years, large-scale work has been undertaken in the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve, in an attempt to reverse the loss of this species, and reports just in, show significant increases in the numbers breeding in new flight corridors or ‘rides’ and coppices created in the woodland.
It’s difficult to count butterflies accurately, because there are variable factors like weather conditions, but the most pearl-bordered fritillaries in one controlled sighting in the Forest is reported to have risen from 55 in 2008 to 127 in 2009, and this summer, so far, is equally encouraging, especially as most English butterflies remain in decline.
Dr. Jenny Joy, Regional Development Officer for the charity Butterfly Conservation, said:
“Butterflies are indicators of overall environmental conditions, making these results important in so many ways for our biodiversity in the Forest.”
The Wyre Forest area has always been a significant site for wildlife with open sunny banks, flower rich meadows and corridors left by the railways and industry. The 1,500 hectares of woodland were once extensively coppiced for charcoal, firewood and timber products providing one of the most important English sites for fritillary butterflies.
In recent years partners including the Forestry Commission and Natural England have worked to restore these traditional ways of working in the forest in order to help improve habitats and encourage endangered species.
Saul Herbert, Reserve Manager for Natural England said:
“All the partners in this project are working, together with volunteers, to link the areas where fritillaries are breeding. These butterflies won’t travel far but if we provide small areas of open corridor they will move short distances to new nectar sources. That’s why they used to be called ‘Woodman’s Followers.”
“It’s a huge task, and a balancing act, because we have so many areas of conservation work to consider, but a relatively small amount of work can make a huge difference to these species. We have recently completed our Management Plan for the National Nature Reserve in Wyre Forest, with an exciting review of the whole area and, by combining the use of animals for grazing, traditional coppicing and volunteer and community engagement, we hope to be able to maintain these exciting results”.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity.
For press information contact Dean Gallen on 0300 060 1079 (mobile 07785 513111) or email Dean.G.Gallen@naturalengland.org.uk
Photos are available on request
-ends-
Notes to editors
Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural England, (www.naturalengland.org.uk
) and the Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov.uk). In the past the area was intensively managed to produce charcoal and timber products and Natural England is restoring the coppice system to help diversify the age and species structure of the woodland.
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006, our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
National Nature Reserves
There are 225 National Nature Reserves in England and they offer ideal opportunities for observing birds and wildlife. Many of them offer volunteer programmes from time to time.
Butterfly Conservation is a charity formed by a small group of dedicated naturalists in 1968 following the alarming decline of many beautiful butterflies. Most British butterfly species remain in decline. www.butterfly-conservation.org
Select a region
Related articles