Two species of butterfly and one moth are included in the Scottish Natural Heritage 'Species Action Framework': the Marsh Fritillary (pictured), the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, and the Slender Scotch Burnet moth.

In addition, the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Chequered Skipper are highlighted in the Scottish Forestry Strategy. Butterfly Conservation is working with both organisations to restore sites for all four species across Scotland.

With the help of landowners, we have initiated urgent habitat management at several sites:

Scrub clearance has opened up the habitats of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Dumfries and Galloway, and the Marsh Fritillary on the island of Ulva. 

The Slender Scotch Burnet moth is now only found on steep slopes near the sea at a handful of sites on Mull and Ulva (and nowhere else in the UK). Several of these sites are threatened by encroachment from a non-native Cotoneaster, scrub and bracken. Contractors and volunteers are helping to control the scrub to ensure that this very rare moth has somewhere to live.  

Butterfly Conservation is also working with owners, Scottish Agricultural College and others to enter sites into the Scottish Rural Development Programme, which funds environmentally-friendly management.

Funders

This project is supported by funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (under the Species Action Framework) and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Contact

Email our Stirling office if you would like to know more or get involved.