The project was undertaken across the species entire Scottish range, and covers four of our LTAs; Islay, Mull, Lorne, Mid-Argyll and Knapdale.  Work was undertaken from Fort William and Arisaig in the north, Dalmally in the east, Mull and Islay in the west and Clachan in Kintyre in the south. 

Target Species

Marsh Fritillary but suitable management will also benefit Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.  On Mull a similar project also successfully targeted management advice to Slender Scotch Burnet moth.

Methods

  • Site specific land management advice on Marsh Fritillary was given across 20 meta-populations. 
  • There was involvement with at least 202 sites.
  • 106 sites have been successfully entered into SRDP’s Rural Priorities scheme and are now being managed specifically for Marsh Fritillary, whilst the outcome of a further eight applications is still pending. 
  • A further 76 sites were visited and management discussed with the owners. 
  • The project has greatly increased the awareness of Marsh Fritillary and High Nature Value farming systems and SAC believe that all active land managers in Argyll are now aware of Marsh Fritillary.
  • The success of the project has been copied by other organisations using it as a blueprint for undertaking similar work on other key species, most notably priority bumblebees and lower plants.
  • This success has been almost entirely due to the Project Officer taking on the role of Specialist Advisor and working in close partnership with landowners/managers, their agents and case officers who assess the scheme. 

Funders/Partners

Read the full Report

For more detailed information about this project and others across the UK please read the full report: Landscape-scale Conservation For Butterflies And Moths: Lessons From The UK.

The success of this project is solely down to the contribution and co-operation of many individuals and organisations.  First and foremost this work has only been possible through funding from Butterfly Conservation, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage under the Species Action Framework to enable a Project Officer to be employed to undertake the role of Specialist Advisor.  In particular Butterfly Conservation Scotland would like to thank Scottish Agricultural College, Agrimony and other advisors along with the case officers for their invaluable contribution without which the successful delivery of specialist advice would not have been possible.  In addition the co-operation, interest and enthusiasm of the individual landowners and managers must be praised, as well as the many volunteers who have helped provide useful local information particularly about sites and the current status of the key species.

Success!

Without this collaboration and support the future of Marsh Fritillary in Scotland would be very bleak.

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