The Saving the Northern Brown Argus in the Scottish Borders project aims to secure a better future for one of Scotland’s most threatened butterflies.
The Scottish Borders is perhaps the most important region for Northern Brown Argus butterfly in the UK. However, due to changing agricultural practices and widespread new tree-planting schemes, key habitat for the butterfly is under threat. Many sites are being invaded by bracken and gorse following removal of grazing stock and good quality unimproved grassland has been lost to new tree plantations.
The project will build on volunteer-gathered survey data and knowledge to target areas for providing landowner advice. Much focus will also be placed on raising awareness of the loss of species-rich grassland habitats and highlighting the area’s importance for the Northern Brown Argus.
Key species – The Northern Brown Argus is a small chocolate brown butterfly that inhabits species-rich grassland habitats where its sole larval foodplant Common Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium grows. The Scottish range of the species is largely eastern, with colonies found along some coasts where conditions are suitable. Further inland, typically small colonies can be found inhabiting lightly grazed unimproved grasslands.
Over the last few years a team of local Butterfly Conservation volunteers has been undertaking detailed surveys of Northern Brown Argus colonies in the Borders, determining the status of many sites and assessing threats. The project will now allow Butterfly Conservation and our volunteers to work closely with key stakeholders in the Scottish Borders area to deliver a better future for the Northern Brown Argus.
Methods
- Advice will be provided to landowners/managers on habitat management for the butterfly
- Development of training resources and support for volunteer surveys
- Analyse data to assess the status of Northern Brown Argus in the Scottish Borders
- Ascertain the threat posed to the species by new tree-planting schemes
Results
- 129 sites have so far been surveyed by 34 volunteers
- Northern Brown Argus has been confirmed at 92 sites
- 14 previously unknown sites for the butterfly have been discovered
- 54 sites with suitable habitat have been identified as threatened
- The main identified threats to habitat are encroaching gorse and bracken, over-grazing and new tree-planting schemes
Delivery – The project is overseen by Butterfly Conservation’s Scottish Conservation staff with Project Officer, David Hill working to deliver the project.
Project Funders
The Saving the Northern Brown Argus in the Scottish Borders project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Butterfly Conservation East Branch members.
Project Acknowledgements
The Saving the Northern Brown Argus in the Scottish Borders has been made possible by the dedicated work of local Butterfly Conservation volunteers whose survey efforts have ensured that threats to the butterfly’s future has been recognised.
Contact
For further information about the project please contact David Hill at @email or on 01786 459813