The High Brown Fritillary is one of the UK's most threatened butterflies. It has declined by almost 80 per cent over the past 35 years
Saving the Morecambe Bay High Brown Fritillary
Butterfly Conservation is coordinating a four-year project to ensure it thrives in its national stronghold, the Morecambe Bay Limestones.
The project will cost around £450,000, with half already secured from Grantscape (through the Landfill Communities Fund).
Partners in the project include
- Natural England
- Forestry Commission
- Lake District National Park
- Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- National Trust
- RSPB
- Two Wildlife Trusts
The aim is to reverse declines by providing advice to landowners and site managers. There is conservation management at 27 key sites, long term monitoring at up to 67 current and former High Brown Fritillary sites, and an enlarged network of trained volunteers.
Morecambe Bay is the single most important area for butterflies in Britain, supporting significant populations of several other threatened species, including Dingy Skipper, Northern Brown Argus, Duke of Burgundy, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Grayling.
Contact
Email your comments or queries to Dr Sam Ellis, Senior Regional Officer for the North of England
Funders
Grantscape, Arnside/Silverdale AONB Landscape Trust, Friends of the Lake District, Restore UK