26 February 2008

An ancient woodland in Gloucestershire is being managed for the benefit of butterflies and other creatures.

The arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, is launching a three year survey in Silk Wood this spring in a bid to monitor the success of these programmes.

"Butterflies are important living indicators of the health and biodiversity of woodland ecosystems. Carrying out an objective survey will help us monitor the effects of our work in Silk Wood and in particular, restoration of the coppice and improvement of the ride structure," said curator Simon Toomer.

Maintaining populations of rare butterflies demands quite complex habitat management.

"Leaving woodland to its own devices can lead to impoverishment and loss of habitat," explained Simon.

The strategy is an agreement between Forestry Commission England and Butterfly Conservation.

It aims to conserve and increase populations of butterflies and moths through improving woodland management across top sites for priority species. For more information visit the Forestry Commission website

Local butterfly expert Chris Wiltshire will conduct the survey following the standard transect walking method adopted by Butterfly Conservation for the National Monitoring Scheme.

For more information on opening times and admission prices please contact 01666 880147 or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt