Biodiversity
Local Habitat and Species Action Plans
The Species Action Plans|
Butterflies
Our aims
- Survey maintain and increase butterfly populations in the borough
- To provide education and awareness on butterfly habitat creation
Introduction
- Butterflies are renowned for their beauty. They were chosen as an action plan as they are so popular with local residents and school children
- They are also currently under threat. There are up to 50 different types of butterfly in Britain. Over the last 150 years, 5 of these species have become extinct; the most recent being the large blue in 1979 and the large tortoiseshell which has not been confirmed as breeding regularly for over a decade
Current status
- There are a number of butterflies which, have been selected for National Species Action Plans under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
- The primary species of that are a focus for protection are the Heath Fritillary, the large copper, the large blue butterfly, the silver spotted skipper, the marsh fritillary, the pearl bordered fritillary and the high brown fritillary
- There are currently 22 species of butterfly recorded at The Chase Local Nature Reserve
Factors affecting the species
- Habitat destruction, often due to over-intensive land management such as the felling of trees, the removal of hedgerows, land drainage and the use of pesticides is the primary reason for this species decline
Current action
- The Butterfly Conservation Trust has launched a new website to facilitate butterfly recording across all parts of Europe
- The UK hosts an annual celebration of butterflies and moths every 22nd May
- The Chase Local Nature Reserve undergoes regular butterfly recording during the summer months to monitor the effect of habitat management and to highlight any changes in populations
The Species Action Plans|
