The Wood White butterfly has declined significantly in recent years, but vital conservation work carried out at Hardwick and Sywell Wood near Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, has helped to see the population there improve.
Butterfly Conservation (BC) were awarded £20,000 from Mick George Ltd to carry out work to restore flower-rich clearings within the woodland. The project included 1.5km of ride clearance, reinstating and seeding the adjacent ditches and making improvements to the main tracks.
Since the project completed a year ago, the woods managed by the Forestry Commission have evidenced major transformation. Sightings of the Wood White butterfly have increased from just three to 42 viewings along both rides, and well over 100 butterflies were seen at Sywell Wood between 2014 - 2015.
Sharon Hearle, Senior Regional Officer at Butterfly Conservation: "Northamptonshire is a national stronghold for the Wood White Butterfly which has suffered significant decline. The Mick George grant enabled Butterfly Conservation to undertake woodland ride clearance to allow the Wood White Butterfly to thrive in two woodlands."
The Wood White is one of the UK’s fastest declining species and is now found on less than 50 sites across the UK, with the most recent data revealing a contraction in both the range and number.
Jon Stump, Finance Director at Mick George Ltd: "Over the years we have supported a number of conservation developments working alongside some fantastic charities such as the RSPB and Woodland Trust, and it has been no different on this occasion with Butterfly Conservation."
Stump continued: "The results have been fantastic - it’s always nice when we can tangibly see the results from our investment and even more so when it is something that can be enjoyed my so many of the local community."