Butterfly habitat conservation
Over many years now we have been working towards improvements for our butterfly habitats. There are complexes of bracken slopes which, when maintained correctly, provide perfect habitat for the rare high brown fritillary to thrive.
This involves lots of scrub clearance, small amounts of swailing (controlled burning of the heath) and two working groups a year to do surveys and make runnels (paths) through the bracken. Cutting pathways through the bracken allows the butterfly to move through the landscape, and also encourages the growth of dog violets. This flower is where the fritillaries lay their eggs and also forms the main food source for the caterpillars.
As well as the High Brown, the work is beneficial a lot of other butterflies. On his weekly surveys Ranger Dan has recorded up to 11 species on these sites. These include other fritillary species, such as the dark green, small pearl-bordered and silver-washed.