Two Moors Threatened Butterflies

Dartmoor and Exmoor in South-west England are the focus of the project, working to restore the fortunes for the High Brown, Marsh and Heath Fritillary butterflies. Research has shown that the populations of the Marsh, High Brown and Heath Fritillary butterflies need large areas of land to ensure their survival. Conservation efforts have to cover a wide area.

On Dartmoor and Exmoor these species live on three main habitat types:

• Steep bracken dominated slopes

• Moorland edge in sheltered valleys

• Wet grassland or ‘Rhôs’ pasture found in valley systems

All three species have highly specialised habitat requirements and management is needed to create the right conditions. The project provides advice and support, through a project officer, to landowners on habitat management if these species occur on their land or if there is potential for habitat restoration. The work is targeted within priority areas of Dartmoor and Exmoor where the most important populations of the key species are found.

To date more than 70 fritillary sites have been visited and management advice has been given for more than 1000 hectares of butterfly habitat.

Contact

Email your comments or queries to Anja Borsje, Two Moors Project Officer.

Funders

Esmée Fairbairn, The Environment Agency, Natural England, Exmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor Trust, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund

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