Herefordshire Butterfly Conservation
Officially begun in December 2005, Butterfly Conservation’s project was aimed toward two features. Firstly, the project assisted in protecting and improving Herefordshire’s distinctive environment, and, secondly, it celebrated and conserved the county’s most threatened butterflies and moths.The project targeted its action on, and attention to, a number of ‘flagship’ species, which are declining in Herefordshire. These included:
Butterflies
- Pearl-bordered Fritillary
- Silver-washed Fritillary
- Grizzled Skipper
- Dark Green Fritillary
- Wood White
Moths
- Argent and Sable
- Little Thorn
- Drab Looper
- Waved Carpet
- Common Fan-foot
Each of these is a conservation priority of the Herefordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and six are priorities on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP).
The key areas where the project took place were woodlands in the River Wye (South) and River Lugg areas. These were
- Aymestry Woodlands
- Haugh Wood
- Queenswood (Dinmore)
- Doward and other Wye Valley woodlands
Local people were encouraged to help contribute to the Herefordshire Biodiversity Action Plan by gathering information, monitoring the status of these threatened butterflies and moths, and through undertaking habitat assessments. Free workshops and training events were provided in these areas. All volunteers were invited to become a part of a local Butterfly Group, ensuring a lasting presence within the county for further conservation and monitoring.
Foresters and landowners of these areas were encouraged to introduce beneficial land management. Leaflets and workshops were provided covering many aspects, including the fragility of butterflies and moths.
Interpretation boards were used at some sites, which benefited local people as well as enhancing a visitor’s experience, therefore generating eco-tourism. Additionally, leaflets, shows and events were held to promote and celebrate features of the Herefordshire landscape and its butterflies and moths, which are unique to the area.
Anna Jordan
Project Officer
3 & 4 Bronsil Courtyard
Eastnor
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1BE
Tel: (01531) 635234