Transforming landscape in the Blackdown Hills

The Neroche Scheme was an initiative to enhance and promote the landscape of the northern Blackdown Hills.

Between 2005 and 2011 this supported large scale habitat management works and a great range of activities and events.

Key successes:

• Huge increases in open habitats to allow existing butterfly colonies to expand
• Butterfly food and nectar plants are flourishing in the sunlight that has been let back into the forest
• Vulnerable and isolated populations of Duke of Burgundy and Wood White have been sustained at a time of national declines
• Great improvements in public access and facilities - enabling people to appreciate the area's delights and range of events and activities.

Large areas of forest have been fenced so that grazing by Longhorn cattle and Exmoor Ponies can shape and maintain the vegetation, developing after the clear-felling of conifers.

A key legacy of the Neroche project is the new Force for Nature volunteering Project. With Butterfly Conservation their volunteers are helping to maintain and improve the habitat areas for butterflies and moths. Training is also enabling them to help monitor butterfly populations, both in the forest grazing units and adjoining Butterfly Conservation reserves.

Contact

Email your comments or queries to John Davis, Senior Conservation Officer.

Funders

Heritage Lottery Fund, Forestry Commission, Natural England and five local authories.

News

For the latest news, events and activities, visit the Neroche scheme website.