Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Lessons from the UK Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 1 Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK by Sam Ellis, Nigel Bourn and Caroline Bulman

This report would not have been possible without the significant support of the national Government Agencies: Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales, as well as the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, who together grant-aided the development of most of our landscape-scale projects. We are also indebted to the volunteers who have contributed to these projects, including those from some of Butterfly Conservation’s network of 31 Branches around the UK, but also from our many partner organisations. We are also grateful to all the landowners and land managers who have allowed Butterfly Conservation, its contractors and volunteers access to their land to enable project delivery.

Special thanks are due to: Karen Aylward (Natural England), Norman Baldock (Dartmoor National Park Authority), Anja Borsje (previous Two Moors Threatened Butterfly ProjectOfficer, Butterfly Conservation), Gill Barter (Countryside Council for Wales), Steve Batt (Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), Frank Berney (University of Sunderland), Richard Boles (Forestry Commission England), Rona Charles (North York Moors National Park Authority), Mike Clark, Paul Dunn (Glamorgan Heritage Coast), Mike Enfield (Kent Wildlife Trust), Scott Hand (Countryside Council for Wales), Alison Hawkins (Exmoor National Park Authority), David Heaver (Natural England), Saul Herbert (Natural England), Ian Hickman (Forestry Commission England), David Lambert (Bentley Wood Trust), Dave Liddle (Durham County Council), Andy Lees (Durham Biodiversity Partnership), Rob Petley-Jones (Natural England), John Randall (Butterfly Conservation Devon Branch), Dave Rogers (Natural England), Phil Rudlin (Forestry Commission England), Dave Sheppard (Natural England), Pete Stevens (Natural England), Dan Tuson (Natural England), Michael Walter (RSPB), Mike Williams (Butterfly Conservation West Midlands Branch), Matt Wilmott (Natural England), John Wilson (Kent Wildlife Trust), Andrew Windrum (Natural England) and Rosemary Winnall (Wyre Forest Study Group). Thanks to all the contributing authors, project staff, Martin Warren, Mark Parson and Tom Brereton for comments on the text. Butterfly monitoring data was provided and analysed by Ian Middlebrook and Tom Brereton. The Marsh Fritillary butterfly distribution map was produced by Jim Asher and Richard Fox. Thanks also to Natalie Ngo for proof reading the text.

Copyright © Butterfly Conservation 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers. ISBN 13 978-0-9568935-1-2 This report should be cited as: Ellis, S., Bourn, N. A. D. and Bulman, C. R. (2012) Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK Butterfly Conservation, Wareham, Dorset. Each section is also individually authored. Cover images: Norman Baldock, Sam Ellis, Robert Thompson and Jim Asher.

2 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Contents

Foreword 4 High Brown Fritillary in the Vale of Glamorgan: saving the last site Executive summary 5 in Wales 52

Introduction: Butterfly Conservation Restoration of a Small Blue and landscape-scale conservation 6 metapopulation on the Southam Lias Grasslands of Warwickshire 58 Restoring Marsh Fritillary metapopulations on Dartmoor 10 Landscape-scale woodland restoration for multiple species Conserving the High Brown Fritillary in the South East Woodlands 66 on the Morecambe Bay Limestones 16 Delivering land management Conserving the Marsh Fritillary in advice for Marsh Fritillary Dorset: Lessons from 15 years of in Scotland 76 landscape-scale conservation 24 Targeting restoration management The impact of management on to stabilise Duke of Burgundy Pearl-bordered Fritillary populations metapopulations on the in the Wyre Forest 30 North York Moors 80

Specialist moths in Breckland: Discussion: Lessons from creating bare ground habitat on landscape-scale conservation 86 a landscape-scale 36 References 92 The Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods: A low input large Acknowledgements 94 output landscape project 42

Restoring very small fragmented landscapes for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe 48

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 3 Foreword Sir John Lawton

to name but two. Butterflies, by conservation. It wasn’t a new insight. the way, feature prominently in the Butterfly Conservation has used evidence base summarised in Making metapopulation science to build Space, both the successes, and landscape projects that are species the ongoing declines of many once led, but which necessitate conserving widespread species. The declines whole landscapes, and habitats within fall disproportionately on the habitat those landscapes. These projects specialists that require coppiced are designed exactly to create woodland, grazed chalk grasslands, “more, bigger, better and joined” for and so on. I don’t need to spell the Lepidoptera, primarily butterflies, but issues out for this audience. also (as is clear from this report) for What is driving the ongoing moths. declines of so many species? Making The report summarizes over 10 Space concluded that there are four years of experience in delivering main reasons. First, many protected “more, bigger, better and joined” at sites are simply too small; 77% of sites across the UK. It is also timely. SSSIs and 98% of Local Wildlife The lessons learned come at a time Sites in England are less than when the landscape approach is a Sir John Lawton 100 ha, too small to prevent random central plank of the Government’s fluctuations driving local populations new Biodiversity 2020 strategy Chairing the panel that produced to extinction. Only a tiny remnant and is being rolled out on a wider Making Space for Nature between of some habitats remain, and many scale, for example in the 12 Nature 2009 and September 2010 (the surviving patches of semi-natural Improvement Areas that came out of ‘Lawton Report’) was one of the most habitat are poorly managed, or not the 2011 Natural Environment White interesting things I have done in the managed at all. And finally many Paper The Natural Choice, part of voluntary conservation sector. surviving sites are isolated in a sea Government’s response to Making It was also one of the most of inhospitable agricultural or urban Space. And last, but absolutely not depressing, because despite huge landscapes. Butterflies have played least, the report shows what can be efforts by both the statutory and a vital role in developing and testing achieved through a highly focused voluntary sectors, particularly since the science of metapopulation species-led approach. Very simply the end of the Second World War, dynamics that shows so clearly why “more bigger, better and joined” Making Space concluded that this combination of four factors can works, and needs to be rolled out England’s protected area network have such devastating consequences far more widely, because, of course, was still not preventing the continuing for species unable to easily disperse recreating, restoring and joining up declines of many species of plants and that require specialised habitats. habitats benefits not just butterflies and animals, some of them truly Although Making Space dealt only and moths, but a host of other alarming. This is absolutely not to with England, much the same creatures with which they share their say that conservation efforts have arguments apply to the Devolved habitat. been a waste of time; I shudder to Administrations. For all these reasons I commend think how much worse things would The solution? The ‘executive this excellent and timely report and have been without those efforts! summary’ of Making Space was thank the funders for their vision and And of course there have been blindingly simple. We need “more, support. some real successes. It isn’t all bad bigger, better managed and news. Red Kites are back in force, joined up” sites in a landscape Sir John Lawton and Large Blue butterflies flourish, level approach to wildlife York, July 2012

4 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Executive summary

1. Butterflies remain one of the UK’s 5. The publication of this report III. Skilled project officers are an most threatened wildlife groups, with is timely as recent government essential component of effective three-quarters of species declining initiatives such as Making Space for landscape-scale conservation, in either distribution or population Nature (Lawton, 2010), have called providing the link between during the 10-year period 1995-99 to for widespread use of landscape- landowners and managers, partner 2005-09 (Fox et al., 2011). scale conservation. The principles are organisations, grant schemes and embedded in the UK Government’s other funding sources, contractors 2. The science of metapopulation recent white paper, The natural and volunteers. biology has increased our choice: securing the value of nature understanding of how butterfly and Defra’s updated biodiversity IV. Landscape-scale projects populations persist within strategy Biodiversity 2020: A strategy must be underpinned by sound landscapes. In response Butterfly for England’s wildlife and ecosystem ecological research, their design Conservation has shifted the majority services (Defra, 2011). supported by good quality spatial of its conservation work during the data and their effectiveness last decade from a focus on single 6. This report describes 12 measured by a suitable monitoring sites to targeting networks of sites evidence-based case studies from system. across a landscape. around the UK of landscape-scale conservation targeted at threatened V. Butterflies and moths respond 3. Butterfly Conservation defines butterflies and moths. For each case very rapidly to landscape-scale landscape-scale conservation as study we describe the landscape, conservation and projects focused the coordinated conservation and the habitat requirements of the on a single butterfly or moth can management of habitats for a range of target species, the project delivery and do benefit a suite of other species across a large natural area, mechanisms, funding sources, land species which have broadly similar often made up of a network of sites management outcomes and species habitat requirements. (Bourn and Bulman, 2005). responses. VI. Short-term funding (e.g. Landfill 4. Area and isolation of habitat 7. Some common themes emerge Communities Fund) is invaluable for patches are vital factors in ensuring from our experiences delivering the restoration phase of landscape- species survival across a landscape landscape-scale conservation. We scale projects, but well designed (Hanski, 1999). However, research believe the key wider lessons relevant agri-environment and woodland suggests that because rare species to the conservation of wildlife at the grant schemes are not only a key are restricted to very specific habitats landscape-scale are: delivery mechanism but a very or niches, it is just as important to effective means of sustaining project maintain high quality habitat within I. Species conservation can be very outcomes. individual sites, as to maintain the site effective at the landscape-scale, but network (Thomas et al., 2001). careful targeting of management, VII. The maintenance of existing both across the site network and high quality habitat is more cost within each site, is essential to effective in the long run than maximise the chances of success. restoration management.

II. Extinction of species on small, VIII. Landscape-scale conservation isolated sites need not be inevitable always involves partnership if they are properly managed and working, but must be developed the principles of landscape-scale through a shared vision and action conservation can be applied at on the ground. relatively small spatial scales.

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 5 Introduction: Butterfly Conservation and landscape-scale conservation

the way that populations persist within these dynamic landscapes.

Neil Hulme The science of metapopulation biology has subsequently developed understanding of how individuals move between habitat patches within a landscape; as well as the effect of increasing isolation, changes in patch size and quality and the incidence of extinction and colonisation (Hanski 1998). Butterfly populations became the main study system for this influential research and Butterfly Conservation responded by shifting the majority of its conservation work from a focus on single sites, to targeting networks of sites across a landscape. This report describes case studies of such projects and identifies wider lessons that are relevant to the implementation of landscape-scale conservation. The metapopulation concept can High Brown Fritillary, the UK’s fastest Butterflies are still in serious decline be thought of as a ‘population of declining butterfly and remain one of the UK’s most populations’, occupying islands of threatened wildlife groups. The habitat within a ‘sea’ of unsuitable results from Butterfly Conservation’s habitat. This clearly describes the most recent analysis (Fox et al., 2011) countryside we see in Britain today, show that between 1995-99 and where areas of remnant habitat, such 2005-09, 72% of species declined in as chalk grassland, woodlands, wet abundance (38 of 53 species meadows etc, are surrounded by an assessed) at monitored sites and the agriculturally improved and distributions of 54% of species also developed landscape. The butterflies declined during the same period (32 which inhabit these remnants tend to of 59 species assessed). Overall be the more specialist species that three-quarters of butterfly species are rapidly declining – they are more declined in either distribution or prone to local extinction due to low population during this 10-year period population size, natural fluctuations (Figures 1 and 2). and deteriorating habitat suitability. If During the last century extensive extinction occurs there is the potential studies have been made on the for recolonisation by individuals from biology and ecology of butterflies a nearby population. However, as (and to a lesser extent moth species), further habitat destruction and making Lepidoptera one of the most change takes place, these sites widely understood insect groups. become increasingly isolated, With increasing destruction, recolonisation becomes less likely modification and fragmentation of our and the metapopulation will be at natural and semi-natural habitats greater risk of extinction. research has frequently focused on

6 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Butterfly Conservation defines landscape-scale conservation as the coordinated conservation and management of habitats for a range of species across a large natural area, often made up of a network of sites (Bourn and Bulman, 2005). Metapopulation theory has re- orientated conservation priorities to the landscape-scale by emphasising the importance of area and isolation (Hanski, 1999). However, research suggests that because rare species are restricted to very specific habitats or niches, it is just as important to maintain high quality habitat within individual sites, as to maintain the site network (Thomas et al., 2001). This principle is central to Butterfly Conservation’s approach to landscape-scale conservation delivery. Moreover, in the context of climate change, a landscape-scale approach appears to be the best option for creating the habitat heterogeneity likely to be needed for species with changing ecological requirements as well as providing the opportunities for them to move through the landscape. The publication of this report is very timely as recent government initiatives such as Making Space for Nature: A Review of England’s Wildlife Figure 1 Like many UK butterflies, the Marsh Fritillary has declined in distribution and Sites and Ecological Network by Sir been lost from large parts of the country. During the most recent recording period, this John Lawton (2010), have called for decline has slowed and even been reversed in some regions thanks to landscape-scale widespread use of landscape-scale conservation initiatives conservation. The principles are 140 embedded in the UK Government’s recent white paper, The natural 120 choice: securing the value of nature (TSO, 2011) and the recent updated 100 biodiversity strategy from DEFRA (2011) Biodiversity 2020: A strategy 80 for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. 60 Landscape-scale conservation for 40 Lepidoptera in practice has two main objectives. Firstly, to maximize 20 habitat quality within individual sites Population index (1995=100) by targeted management. This is no 0 different to managing a single site, 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 but at the landscape-scale more Figure 2 Evidence from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme shows that butterfly cognisance is taken of the spatial populations across the UK have undergone a significant decline of 29% since 1995 context of the individual sites. For

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 7 across the UK (Figure 3). These The main foci of these case projects have targeted key areas for studies are UK Biodiversity Action some of the UK’s most threatened Plan (UK BAP) Priority Species

Martin Warren species, nearly all have received butterflies and their habitats: Small some external funding, directly or Blue Cupido minimus, Duke of indirectly, to enable delivery and all Burgundy Hamearis lucina, Small involve partnerships with government Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria agencies, other conservation selene, Pearl-bordered Fritillary organisations and landowners. Boloria euphrosyne, High Brown Broadly we utilise two Fritillary Argynnis adippe, Marsh approaches to landscape-scale Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia and conservation, firstly to provide advice Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia. A to landowners and encourage or group of Breckland moths are the assist with the uptake of agri- focus of one case study, comprising environment or woodland grant the Grey Carpet Lithostege griseata, schemes; and secondly to secure Basil Thyme Case-bearer Coleophora funding to directly undertake habitat tricolor, Lunar Yellow Underwing management under the guidance of Noctua orbona, Forester Adscita Butterfly Conservation project statices, Tawny Wave Scopula officers. rubiginata and Marbled Clover Butterflies and moths have precise These are not mutually exclusive Heliothis viriplaca. With the exception ecological requirements that need to be with most projects having elements of Tawny Wave and Marbled Clover, provided for in any landscape; such as of both approaches. these moths are also UK BAP Priority for this High Brown Fritillary larva that The need for evidence-based as Species. In England, all the BAP requires violets growing within moderately dense Bracken litter to provide a warm opposed to experience-based Priority Species are also listed under microclimate conservation is now well recognised section 41 of the Natural Environment (Pullin and Knight, 2001). We and Rural Communities Act (2006). In example, sites at the centre of a describe here 12 case studies from Wales, the High Brown Fritillary is a network may well be given higher around the UK which provide section 42 species of the Natural priority for management than would a quantitative evidence of the lessons Environment and Rural Communities small, isolated site on the network’s learnt from delivering landscape- Act (2006) and in Scotland, the periphery. scale conservation over the last 15 The second major objective is to years. For all our landscape-scale improve connectivity both within and projects we try where resources between sites, improving the ability of allow, to monitor the impact on not

butterflies and other organisms to just the target species, but on other Martin Warren move around a landscape, thus wildlife and on habitat condition. For increasing the rate of colonisation. Lepidoptera we adopt standard Managing to improve connectivity monitoring methods appropriate to involves the removal of barriers to the target species, such as species dispersal (e.g. felling strategically occupancy (presence/absence within located plantations or planting flower- a habitat patch or site), butterfly rich margins). It can also include transects (full species weekly management that improves habitat transects or single species transect availability within the landscape (e.g. counts), adult timed counts, larval or ride-widening). egg counts. Further details of these Britain’s landscapes consist of isolated Since the turn of the millennium, methods are available on the UK fragments of semi-natural habitat Butterfly Conservation has been Butterfly Monitoring Scheme website surrounded by intensively managed involved to a greater or lesser extent (www.ukbms.org). land, as illustrated by this photograph of with 73 landscape-scale projects downland in the south of England

8 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Marsh Fritillary is a section 2.4 Butterfly Conservation landscape target areas species of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004). The High Brown Fritillary, Marsh Fritillary and Heath Fritillary are fully protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981). The Marsh Fritillary is also protected under Annex II of the European Commission’s Habitats and Species Directive. For each case study we describe the landscape, the target species and a summary of its autecology and habitat requirements. The project delivery mechanisms and funding sources are outlined, together with the land management outcomes Mull, Lorne, Mid-Argyll achieved to date. Species responses & Knapdale and Islay to management are described: either Durham Coalfield changes in site or habitat patch Pennine Fringe occupancy, or population trends. Responses of non-target Lepidoptera are also reported where data are North York Moors available. Morecambe Bay Limestones Community involvement in each project (e.g. public events, training and recruitment of volunteers) is a crucial component of every Southam Lias Grasslands landscape project and we describe the contributions made to project The Brecks delivery by volunteers. Finally we Wyre Forest summarise the key successes and lessons learnt from each project and where relevant, plans to sustain the project outcomes in the future. Alun Valley Blean Woods Some common themes emerge from our experiences of delivering landscape-scale conservation for threatened Lepidoptera across the UK. We believe that sharing this evidence has never been more Dartmoor Wessex Downs and South East Woodlands important, and the final chapter Blackmore Vale brings this together to help provide lessons for conserving wildlife at a landscape-scale. © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021

Figure 3 Location of Butterfly Conservation’s 73 landscape target areas in the UK. Landscapes with current or recently completed projects are highlighted dark green and those with currently limited engagement or in a project development phase light green. The locations of the 12 landscape-scale case studies are circled

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 9 Restoring Marsh Fritillary metapopulations on Dartmoor Jenny Plackett, Nigel Bourn and Caroline Bulman

The Marsh Fritillary is distributed widely throughout Europe as far eastwards as Korea in Asia, but Steve Doyle its range has declined seriously in most European countries over the last century (Swaay and Warren, 1999). The butterfly has declined substantially in the UK and its distribution in Britain declined by 46% between 1970-82 and 1995-2004 (Asher et al., 2006). A more detailed survey showed that 66% of colonies in England were lost between 1990 and 2000 (Hobson et al., 2001). On the positive side, many previously unknown colonies have been discovered over the last 20 years (Fox et al., 2006) and during the last ten years the distribution decline has lessened to 9% (Fox et al., 2011). Current strongholds for the butterfly are the Culm grasslands of Devon Marsh Fritillary and Cornwall, the Rhôs pastures of Introduction South Wales and Dartmoor, damp As the Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas grasslands of Argyll, and the chalk aurinia is a species closely linked downland of Dorset and Wiltshire. to extensive pastoral farming, the The Marsh Fritillary breeds in main mechanism for its conservation across the landscape is agri- environmental schemes. These are designed to help farmers farm in

a more environmentally sensitive Jenny Plackett way. Through the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly project, Butterfly Conservation has worked closely with Natural England, the National Park Authorities and the farming communities of Dartmoor and Exmoor to maximise biodiversity delivery. The project demonstrates the huge added value a targeted scheme, backed with a strong supportive presence on the ground, can bring to our agri-environment schemes. By working closely with the local farmers whole landscapes can be brought into a range of favourable The Marsh Fritillary larval foodplant, management options. Devil’s-bit Scabious, is responding well to management

10 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths open grassy habitats, especially damp grassland dominated by tussock-forming grasses; calcareous grassland (usually on west or south- facing slopes) and heath and mire vegetation with Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis the larval foodplant (Asher et al., 2001). The females have a preference for laying egg batches on foodplants growing within a vegetation range of between 5 and 25 cm depending on the habitat type – shorter swards on calcareous sites and towards the upper range on damp grasslands (Barnett and Warren, 1995; Bulman, 2001). Causes of the species decline © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 over the last century include the Figure 1 Location of the four habitat networks on Dartmoor which support Marsh Fritillary dramatic loss of unimproved colonies grassland (e.g. 92% of South West England’s damp pasture dispersal, known as metapopulations and 60% of chalk downland) (Warren, 1994; Bulman, 2001; following agricultural improvement Bulman et al., 2007) and changes in the management On Dartmoor, lack of grazing is a Jenny Plackett of remaining habitat fragments, common problem on Rhôs pasture principally abandonment of grazing because the habitat offers low quality and over-grazing (Hobson et grazing, which makes grazing of al., 2001). The Marsh Fritillary is these marginal sites uneconomic. typically associated with extensive Under-grazed, neglected or grazing by cattle or ponies, which abandoned habitat patches quickly create the varied turf required for become unsuitable for the butterfly, as Western Gorse Ulex galli and breeding. Sheep grazing is generally Marsh Fritillary larval web in late summer unsuitable, as these animals tend willow Salix spp. scrub dominate and the grass sward becomes rank and to graze the foodplant too tightly and advice is offered in habitat overgrown, shading out foodplants. and create a more uniform sward management, accessing funding As habitat loses condition through (Warren, 1994). Sheep grazing also to pay for required works and help lack of management, connectivity heavily impacts on seed set (lack given liaising with contractors and within the landscape is reduced, of flowers) and tends not to create graziers. leaving the remaining patches the necessary small bare patches The project supports Natural isolated and their Marsh Fritillary through moderate poaching to allow England staff by assisting in agri- colonies vulnerable. new plants to colonise. environment applications and by The Two Moors partnership Marsh Fritillary populations ensuring appropriate management project was initiated in 2005 to function on a landscape-scale. prescriptions are included in the reverse the declines of the Marsh They are often highly cyclical with agreement terms. Training events Fritillary, the High Brown Fritillary large fluctuations in population are organised for conservation Argynnis adippe and the Heath size, making them prone to local professionals, landowners and Fritillary Melitaea athalia across extinction, but this characteristic contractors, and project staff work Dartmoor and Exmoor. Habitat also allows the butterfly to colonise closely with volunteers to undertake networks for targeting resources new sites in good years as well as practical management and species at these species were identified, patches of less suitable habitat. The monitoring. Guided walks and and project staff work closely butterfly persists in areas where large other public events are organised with landowners to encourage networks of suitable habitat exist, to increase understanding and sensitive management and increase with groups of local populations appreciation of butterflies. being connected by occasional connectivity between sites. Support

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 11 securing appropriate longer- the quality of breeding habitat. term management. Management Management of unoccupied as well works have been funded through as occupied habitat was undertaken, landowners’ agreements where to increase the area of potential Jenny Plackett possible, or undertaken by volunteer breeding habitat and improve parties if funding was unavailable. connectivity between patches. On In the Fernworthy-Long Lane valley some habitat patches, no vegetation system six of 20 habitat patches management was required other than were known to be occupied by the the introduction of an appropriate butterfly in 2005; 15 were ungrazed grazing regime. Grazing was re- or inappropriately grazed (with introduced, or the grazing regime unsuitable animals or at the wrong modified, on 15 patches grazed too time of year), and in 16 habitat heavily or by unsuitable animals. patches the open grassland habitat Over £100k in funding was Volunteers clear scrub to restore Marsh was being invaded by willow and secured through agri-environment Fritillary habitat condition Gorse scrub. The average distance scheme agreements and other from any habitat patch (regardless of sources. This supported capital The Marsh Fritillary is present at its occupancy state) to the nearest expenditure on fencing and scrub only one Exmoor site, where the occupied patch was 542 m. control and provided landowners butterfly has responded to Bracken Working with landowners and with area-based payments to graze Pteridium aquilinum management, Natural England staff, the project their land with low numbers of hardy rank grassland cutting and the has helped to secure Higher Level animals suited to this type of rough reintroduction of sympathetic grazing. Stewardship (HLS) agreements at grassland at the appropriate time of Dartmoor National Park is a national eight of the 15 farm holdings (on year. stronghold for the species, where it which the 20 habitat patches are is found in four separate networks, located), supporting appropriate Land management results across the moor (Figure 1), including management over the 10-year Table 1 summarises the project’s the Fernworthy-Long Lane valley agreement period. Capital Works achievements in terms of overall described here as a case study. payments secured through this advice provision and management The Fernworthy-Long Lane scheme, or the older Environmentally undertaken for nine habitat networks network supports one of the most Sensitive Areas (ESA) scheme, across the two moors. Following extensive area of potential habitat supported scrub control works advice from the project, 71% of within the National Park, with 100 at a number of occupied habitat sites within Dartmoor’s four habitat ha of Rhôs pasture, spread over 20 patches, and fencing/boundary networks have been managed for the habitat patches on 15 different farm works were undertaken to enable Marsh Fritillary. holdings (Figure 2). The system was grazing by hardy cattle or ponies In the Fernworthy-Long Lane defined as a Prime Valley System to be reintroduced. Management of network, habitat improvement work by Dartmoor National Park Authority other invading vegetation (Soft Rush carried out between 2005 and 2010 as part of their Rhôs pasture survey Juncus effusus, Greater Tussock- resulted in management of just over undertaken during 1994-1996. These sedge Carex paniculata) was also 10 ha of land, including over 8 ha Prime Valley Systems were the most carried out, and small areas of of scrub control. Nearly 5 km of important wildlife areas within the woodland were felled and hedges fencing was erected or boundary scope of the study and are a priority cut to create clear flight paths and improvements undertaken across for conservation action. The extensive improve connectivity between habitat eight holdings in order to implement area of Rhôs pasture habitat in this patches. On one patch with low an appropriate grazing regime (Table system makes it a key target for frequency of the larval foodplant, 2). This management has both landscape-scale restoration. young Devil’s-bit Scabious plant increased the area and improved the plugs were transplanted from a quality of breeding habitat within the Project methods nearby donor site by volunteers. valley system, as well as improving Effort in the four Dartmoor On another patch, the landowner connectivity between patches. habitat networks has focused on collected the seed from flower Between 2005 and 2010 the area of encouraging landowners to enter heads and scattered it in another confirmed occupied habitat rose from into agri-environment agreements, patch undergoing habitat restoration 32.9 ha to 85.6 ha. elsewhere on the farm, to improve

12 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 2 Map showing location of 15 farm holdings and changes in Marsh Fritillary patch occupancy 2005-10 in the Fernworthy-Long Lane habitat network

Species response 800 Marsh Fritillary populations were 700 Fernworthy-Long Lane monitored at a subset of sites in all habitat network the habitat networks and at all sites 600 within the Fernworthy-Long Lane UK valley during the adult flight period 500 using timed counts and autumn 400 larval web counts. Both sets of raw data were adjusted to give number 300 recorded per person per hour. Within Population index the Fernworthy-Long Lane network 200 the number of occupied habitat patches increased three-fold from 100 six confirmed in 2005 to 18 in 2010. Connectivity has improved with 0 halving of the mean distance from 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 each patch to the nearest occupied patch falling from 542 m to 260 m Figure 3 Marsh Fritillary larval web population trends in the Fernworthy-Long Lane habitat over the same period. This may be in network 2005-10. Data analysed by TRIM; UK national trend included for comparison part due to the increase in recording effort over the project period and abundance of larval webs between Building local partnerships 2005 and 2010 in the network (Figure newly discovered colonies, with Volunteer effort has been increasingly 3), with the largest increases in 2009 eight habitat patches confirmed as important in achieving appropriate and 2010, following on from two occupied during 2010 monitoring, management in Rhôs pasture habitat, particularly poor years in 2007 and which were not surveyed in 2005. particularly during 2010. Cuts in 2008, when wet and cool weather Overall there was a significant agri-environment scheme support prevailed during the flight period. increase of 1,082% (P<0.01) in the by Natural England have made it

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 13 Target species No. sites Total area (ha) No. habitat patches advice provided Area advice provided (ha) No. habitat patches managed for fritillaries Area managed for fritillaries (ha) No. habitat patches where scrub managed Area of scrub managed (ha) % habitat network advice provided % habitat network managed for fritillaries

Exmoor Heddon Valley HBF 15 68 15 68 14 66 12 15.1 100 97

Exmoor Exe Valley HBF 7 59 7 59 5 57 5 14 100 90

Exmoor Codsend Moor MF 3 79 3 79 3 79 0 0 100 100

Dartmoor Dart Valley HBF 10 138 9 108 9 108 6 8.2 78 78

Dartmoor Walkham Valley HBF 3 181 3 181 3 181 3 4.5 100 100

Dartmoor Tor Valley MF 7 58 6 47 6 47 3 2.6 81 81

Dartmoor Postbridge-West Webburn MF 20 218 17 183 14 173 6 4.9 84 79

Dartmoor Fernworthy-Long Lane MF 20 103 19 101 20 103 14 8.2 98 100

Dartmoor Tavy Valley MF 8 68 7 63 4 16.5 3 0.7 92 24 HBF, Dartmoor & Exmoor Other areas 74 894 19 499.5 11 6.4 56 MF, HF Total 160 1,783 97 1,330 63 72.3

Table 1 Summary of advice provision and management achievements across nine Exmoor and Dartmoor habitat networks 2005-11 MF = Marsh Fritillary; HBF = High Brown Fritillary; HF = Heath Fritillary

and students from Duchy College in Cornwall) have also given considerable help in surveying and

Jenny Plackett practical management. During 2010, for example, volunteers contributed 192 volunteer days on Marsh Fritillary sites. Eight training events and workshops in identification and monitoring were attended by a total of 87 people in 2010. Key lessons Agri-environmental schemes are a key mechanism for the delivery of targeted habitat management across whole landscapes. They enable significant levels of financial support to farmers and landowners who are often farming in economically marginal areas. It allows them to go the extra mile that conservation land management often requires to maximise the public benefits that these schemes can offer. However, it Volunteers plant out young Devil’s-bit Scabious plants to improve breeding habitat quality is often the case that the full potential of the scheme goes unrealised more difficult to access funding been invaluable, and volunteers from due to insufficient support to the to pay for important management local community conservation groups landowner, both in terms of further works, so there has been a heavy (e.g. Chagford Conservation Group, advice and delivery of what are reliance on volunteers to carry out the Wildlife Hit Squad from East often complex solutions to problems practical habitat management. In Dartmoor Woods and Heaths NNR, that have been developing in these particular, BTCV volunteers have South West Lakes Trust, Groundwork marginal areas for several decades.

14 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Regular ‘care and maintenance’ visits continuing to work with landowners have been crucial to the success of across Dartmoor over the coming the project, and of the Environmental years, offering advice and support, is

Jenny Plackett Stewardship Scheme, in achieving crucial to ensure that the successes biodiversity gain. Most sites require gained so far can be sustained in the several visits per year, when the long-term. habitat is inspected and support Managing the habitat for the and encouragement are offered to Marsh Fritillary has helped to maintain maintain appropriate management. and restore habitat on a landscape- Partnership working with Natural scale for other declining Lepidoptera, England and the National Park, along such as the Narrow-bordered Bee with volunteer organisations and Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus and Small contractors, has helped to improve Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria habitat quality and connectivity, and selene, as well as a wide range of secure the appropriate management other flora and fauna found in wet of Rhôs pasture in the Fernworthy- pastures. Long Lane valley for the benefit of Invading scrub and tall hedges have been the Marsh Fritillary and other wildlife. cut back to improve connectivity between Maintaining these partnerships and sites Holding 1 Holding 2 Holding 3 Holding 4 Holding 5 Holding 6 Holding 7 Holding 8 Holding 9 Holding 10 Holding 11 Holding 12 Holding 12 Holding 13 Holding 14 Holding 15 Total

No. of habitat patches 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 20

Habitat management Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes 14 advice given holdings Support with entry to agri- No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No No No 8 agreement (in ESA) (in ESA) (in ESA) (in DNPA (in ESA) environment scheme (HLS) agreement) holdings

Vegetation management Total area of vegetation 1.1 0.3 0.5 3 0.35 0.8 1.31 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.21 0.35 0.8 0.1 0.4 10.02ha managed Scrub control 1.1 0.5 3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.16 0.35 0.7 0.1 0.4 8.21ha

Soft Rush mowing/Bracken 0.3 0.3 0.66 0.01 1.27ha control Woodland felling 0.05 0.1 0.25 0.04 0.1 0.54ha

Grazing Fencing/ boundary restoration 633m 450m 510m 226m 1292m 560m 202m 1010m 4883m (350m planned) Total area managed 6.6 2.3 4.8 7 3.4 7.6 7.1 7 12 5.3 2.7 7 6 2.6 1.6 8.4 91.4ha (1.3 by grazing (ha) planned)

Planting/sowing Devil’s-bit Scabious (ha) 0.2 0.2 0.4ha

Changes in patch occupancy Occupied in 2005 Yes Yes No Yes Yes NS No NS Yes NS NS NS NS NS Yes NS 6 (adults or webs) patches Occupied in 2010 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 18 (adults or webs) 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites patches Increase in habitat 4.8 7.6 7.1 7 2.7 7 6 2.6 8.4 53.2ha resource (ha)

Table 2 Summary of habitat management and changes in patch occupancy of Marsh Fritillary in the Fernworthy-Long Lane system 2005-10 NS = Not surveyed; DPNA = Dartmoor National Park Authority

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 15 Conserving the High Brown Fritillary on the Morecambe Bay Limestones Sam Ellis, Dave Wainwright and Martin Wain

declines in both distribution (79% between 1970-82 and 1995-2004) and abundance (85% 1995-2004) Mike Hunter (Fox et al., 2006). This decline is ongoing, with distribution losses of 49% and population declines of 69% between 1995-99 and 2005-09 (Fox et al., 2011). Several colonies still occur on Dartmoor and Exmoor and one in the Alun Valley in South Wales, but the Morecambe Bay Limestones and to a lesser extent, the South Cumbria Low Fells to the north, are the UK’s national stronghold supporting two- thirds of the remaining populations. Formerly the butterfly occurred widely in woodland clearings, probably where Bracken Pteridium aquilinum was also present, but breeding is now restricted to either 1) Bracken-dominated habitats or grass/Bracken mosaics or 2) limestone rock outcrops, usually where scrub or woodland has recently been cleared or coppiced. Only on the Morecambe Bay High Brown Fritillary Introduction Limestones are rock outcrops Most of our threatened butterflies used, with all other British sites have very demanding ecological now confined to Bracken habitats. requirements. For these species, Most Morecambe Bay Limestones land management operates at a sites support a mosaic of habitats, comparatively coarse scale and even with limestone or acid grassland, with careful targeting the required pavement, Bracken, scrub and habitat conditions may only be met woodland predominant. within a subset of habitat patches Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana or within a small proportion of a is the main larval foodplant. The High given patch. We describe here the Brown Fritillary over-winters as eggs, impact of a woodland management which are laid singly on leaf litter programme aimed at reversing the (often dead Bracken), or amongst decline of Britain’s most threatened moss growing on limestone outcrops. butterfly the High Brown Fritillary The larvae hatch in early spring and Argynnis adippe, in its national spend long periods basking on dead stronghold the Morecambe Bay Bracken where there is little grass Limestones. cover or in short, sparse vegetation. The High Brown Fritillary is Temperatures in these microhabitats Britain’s most threatened butterfly, can be 15–20 °C higher than in having undergone recent major surrounding grassy vegetation,

16 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Sam Ellis Sam Ellis

Both coppiced woodland and Bracken mosaics are used by breeding High Brown Fritillaries

allowing the larvae to develop quickly in otherwise cool spring weather. The High Brown Fritillary has been recorded with a presumed breeding presence (i.e. suitable breeding habitat present) on 65 Morecambe Bay Limestones (and South Cumbria Low Fells) sites. In 2007, when a new site dossier was produced (Ellis and Wainwright, 2008), 50 sites still supported populations in eight separate networks (Figure 1); but the butterfly had become extinct on 15 sites (23% loss). On the Morecambe Bay Limestones the High Brown Fritillary appears to be threatened more by changes in habitat quality caused by succession rather than direct

habitat loss. Many sites are large © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 (median area = 27.7 ha), but suitable breeding habitat within Figure 1 Location and extent of High Brown Fritillary sites in eight networks on the Morecambe Bay Limestones (green ellipses) and South Cumbria Low Fells (brown them is probably quite localised. ellipses) in 2007 Within networks most sites are either contiguous or close to one Nearly half the sites are owned or Group which comprises 11 partner another and isolation is unlikely to leased by conservation organisations organisations. In 2007 nearly be a significant factor. Nevertheless and on many the conservation of 80% of sites were in some form of extinctions on smaller, more isolated the High Brown Fritillary is a key management which could benefit the sites suggests a metapopulation objective. Efforts to conserve the butterfly, although its scale on many structure and therefore loss of butterfly began as long ago as the was unknown (Ellis and Wainwright, connectivity may be important for mid-1980s and have continued to 2008). smaller outlying sites and networks the present day under the auspices By 2007 about half the (Ellis and Wainwright, 2008). of the High Brown Fritillary Action Morecambe Bay Limestones

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 17 400 Project methods 350 In 2008 a four-year programme Active (n = 11); no significant trend - stable of coordinated and targeted 300 management commenced to reverse Inactive (n = 25); 74% decline (P<0.01) 250 the regional decline, principally funded by GrantScape through the 200 Landfill Communities Fund. Whilst 150 the main focus was the creation of potential breeding habitat through Population index 100 clearings, the project also aimed 50 to improve within site connectivity through ride management to aid 0 dispersal and increase opportunities 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 for natural colonisation of former Figure 2 The impact of active woodland management (e.g. coppicing, ride management, sites. Project officers liaised with scrub cutting over limestone outcrops) on High Brown Fritillary populations in the partner organisations, landowners Morecambe Bay Limestones and South Cumbria Low Fells 1990-2007 and contractors to ensure management was undertaken at agreed locations and within agreed constraints. Since the project’s inception Forestry Commission England (FCE) agreed to target the landscape with Woodland Improvement Grants (WIGs), part of the English Woodland Grant Scheme (eWGS). Landowners were able to claim grants for coppicing, thinning and ride management and project officers assisted FCE staff to target the most appropriate sites. Over £250k was committed, significantly increasing both the number of sites and management originally envisaged. FCE also undertook clearance of conifers on four sites to restore Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (i.e. © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 PAWS). Figure 3 Location of clearings and rides established 2008-11 in the Arnside/Silverdale Habitat condition within each of network. Black lines indicate boundaries of current, former and potential High Brown these habitat patches was assessed Fritillary sites in May 2011, when suitable fritillary habitat was easily identified. We sites were monitored by butterfly where some form of active woodland recorded 12 different features, transects. Trend analyses showed management (e.g. coppicing and reflecting both positive and negative the High Brown Fritillary had declined ride management in woodland and condition using standard Butterfly in this landscape by 40% since scrub cutting over limestone outcrops Conservation methodology (Brereton 1990, but site trends were very on grassland sites) was regularly et al., 2005). The response of the variable with some declining and undertaken, populations were stable High Brown Fritillary to management others increasing. More detailed in comparison to a 74% decline on was assessed through a programme analyses of transect population sites with no ‘woodland’ management of late June/July timed counts in trends showed there were no clear (Figure 2). These data suggest that 112 of the 114 clearings and rides. differences between SSSIs and non- High Brown Fritillary populations Other threatened species were SSSIs, between primarily woodland on the Morecambe Bay Limestones also recorded and timed counts and primarily grassland sites, nor are most effectively maintained by undertaken where possible in May between sites in agri-environment a regular supply of new clearings, to coincide with the flight period of schemes compared with those not irrespective of the predominant spring Lepidoptera. in a scheme. However, on sites habitat type.

18 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Land management results a third less than 200 m but a fifth around 5% cover (Figure 4), despite exceeding 600 m. the fact that the individual features After the first three years, at least Ellis and Wainwright (2008) which comprise good habitat quality 114 clearings and rides had been collated woodland management (violets, exposed rock, Bracken managed, potentially restoring 60 ha data from nine key sites for the or leaf litter) occurred at much habitat on 23 sites (Table 1, Figure preceding 23 year period (1984- higher frequency or abundance. 3). This is a conservative estimate 2006), when a total of 46.4 ha of Some suitable fritillary habitat was because not all sites managed habitat was restored. Whilst no doubt produced in 97% of clearings and through WIGs were accessible to an underestimate for the whole rides, but at less than 2% cover survey. Most management was landscape, the average of 3.8 ha per in a third of these, and exceeding undertaken in the core Arnside/ year for the seven year period 2000- 10% cover in only 5%. We believe Silverdale and Witherslack/ 06 supports the notion that there is the significant differences in violets, Whitbarrow networks, with much now more woodland management Bracken litter, grass cover and scrub/ of the remainder in the Brigsteer/ ongoing in the Morecambe Bay coppice regrowth size (the latter Helsington Barrows network (Table Limestones than for many decades. two negative indicators for suitable 2). Management was funded more Despite the scale of the current habitat) reflect the greater number of or less equally between GrantScape project, management was only scrub clearances undertaken through and WIGs, with FCE responsible for implemented on 28% of current or GrantScape. Although the locations all the conifer clearance undertaken. former High Brown Fritillary sites. of coppice coupes were selected on The total cost of the GrantScape Approximately 6% of the total area of the advice of project officers, based management was £81k. There were the project sites has been managed on the presence of features such significant differences in clearing size to date, equating to about 7% of the as rocks and/or shallow soil, it is but this is largely attributable to the woodland, 5.5% of ancient woodland, less easy to predict the vegetation conifer clear-fells, with two exceeding 10% of PAWS and 7.5% of the composition following clearance. On 5 ha. Most other clearings were calcareous grassland resource. the other hand, violets and Bracken relatively small, with coppice coupes Both GrantScape and WIG litter are more likely to be still present half the size of scrub clearances. clearings and rides produced equally under scrub patches, key factors in There was also considerable good fritillary habitat, on average their selection for clearance. variation in ride length with about

Area (ha) managed under different funding sources

No. of clearings or rides Mean area of clearing or ride (ha) GrantScape WIGs Forestry Commission England Natural England Private Landowner Total

Coppicing 56 0.24 5.50 7.58 0 0.27 0 13.35 Scrub management 25 0.58 7.27 7.15 0 0 0 14.42 Ride management 25 0.59 8.24 5.92 0 0 0.49 14.65 Ride management length (m) 25 402 4,570 4,930 0 0 540 10,040 Conifer clear-fell 8 2.20 0 0 17.61 0 0 17.61 Total 114 21.01 20.65 17.61 0.27 0.49 60.03

Table 1 Management classified by management type and funding source implemented on High Brown Fritillary sites on the Morecambe Bay Limestones 2008-11

100 3 90 Grantscape Grantscape 80 WIG WIG 70 * * 2 60 * 50

(unless otherwise stated) 40 * * 30 1 20 * * 10 Percentage 0 0 class cover Violet Suitable Leaf litter frequency frequency frequency Standards soils cover scrub cover Brash cover height class Grass cover Deer impact Bracken litter Rock/shallow Regeneration Regenerating fritillary habitat density (no/ha) Figure 4 Mean habitat condition responses under the GrantScape (53 clearings/rides) and WIG (49 clearings/rides) funding programmes in 23 Morecambe Bay Limestones sites in 2011(significant differences indicated by * P <0.05; ** P< 0.01)

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 19 Species response underestimate of occupancy for several reasons. Firstly surveys Prior to the project commencing, were nearly all undertaken in the wet the High Brown Fritillary regional summer of 2011, when the regional

Dave Wainwright population trend had declined by population index was at its lowest. 2007 to its lowest index in 18 years Secondly, the median survey time monitoring. Thereafter the population was only eight minutes and the increased each year until 2011, butterfly may have been present but which produced the lowest ever missed in some clearings and rides. index. Undoubtedly the wet summer Thirdly, only confirmed identifications of 2011 was a key factor, but it is were recorded, with unidentified unclear how much of the previous large fritillaries seen in 37% of the increase could be attributed to unoccupied clearings and rides. improved management, because only Confusion arises only between the 48% of project sites were monitored High Brown and Dark Green Fritillary by transects. In some cases Argynnis aglaja, but not with the management was undertaken along Dave Wainwright Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis transect routes, especially on existing paphia. The ratio of High Brown rides, but in other clearings and new Fritillary to Dark Green Fritillary was rides they had not been previously approximately 1: 2.4, suggesting 124 monitored, demonstrating the need of the 429 unidentified large fritillaries for targeted survey by timed counts in could be the former. It is therefore each clearing and ride. reasonable to assume the target The High Brown Fritillary was species was present in some of the recorded from 23% of the monitored apparently unoccupied clearings/ clearings and rides (Figure 5, Table Impact of management on a shady ride at rides. Halecat Woods 2). However, it is likely this is an

Network Arnside/ Silverdale Hutton Roof Hampsfield Fell Witherslack/ Whitbarrow Brigsteer/ Helsington Barrows Total

No. sites managed 9 1 1 7 5 23 No. clearings/rides 48 1 4 41 20 114

No. occupied sites 2007 7 1 0 5 1 14 No. occupied sites 2011 9 1 0 7 1 18 Change in occupancy 29% 0% 0% 40% 0% 29%

No. extinct sites 2007 1 0 0 1 2 4 No. extinct sites 2011 0 0 0 0 2 2

No. potential sites 2007 1 0 1 1 2 5 No. potential sites 2011 0 0 1 0 2 3

No. occupied clearings/rides 2011 16 0 0 10 0 26 Proportion occupied 2011 34% 0% 0% 25% 0% 23%

No. unoccupied clearings/rides 2011 31 1 4 30 20 86 No. unoccupied clearings/rides with 15 0 2 11 13 41 unidentified large fritillaries 2011

Table 2 Changes in High Brown Fritillary occupancy in response to management in five Morecambe Bay Limestones networks 2008-11

20 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 a) Northern end of the Arnside/Silverdale network © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 b) Southern end of the Witherslack/Whitbarrow network Figure 5 High Brown Fritillary occupancy in 2011 of clearings and rides established 2008-11 in relation to overall site occupancy in parts of the two main Morecambe Bay Limestones networks

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 21 but also where there is least evidence a management group bringing of fragmentation and isolation. All together seven landowners to known sites are now occupied in coordinate management proposed

Sarah Bradley both networks, bar one small isolated for c.100 ha of land in part of the site. However, there were no re/ Arnside/Silverdale network. Close colonisations of the 20 clearings working relationships with several and rides in the Brigsteer/Helsington large estates and businesses have Barrows network. Former sites here been established enabling Butterfly are more isolated than in the two core Conservation to work alongside networks but were still less than 1 km tourism and rural enterprises (e.g. from a potential source population, commercial shooting), as well as and large unidentified fritillaries were contributing to the employment of recorded in 65% of clearings and many local contractors. rides. The project has been beneficial Key lessons for a number of other UK BAP Priority This project provides evidence of Species butterflies and moths utilising the rapid response of a threatened similar habitat. Despite less intensive butterfly to targeted management, sampling (only 21% of timed counts with colonisation of new habitat undertaken during their flight period), Volunteers managing a ride in patches within already occupied the spring-flying Pearl-bordered Witherslack Woods sites, as well as of nearby former Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne was and potential sites. The presence known to have re/colonised two sites Occupied clearings and rides were of the butterfly on several rides/ (increasing the regional resource significantly larger than unoccupied linear scrub clearings, and the site from 14 to 16 sites), the Duke of ones (Figure 6). Whilst this partly re/colonisations suggests the High Burgundy Hamearis lucina colonised reflects the butterfly’s colonisation of Brown Fritillary has also utilised one new site and the pyralid moth some large clear-fells, these data do improvements in connectivity. Anania funebris re/colonised two emphasize the importance of creating However, more isolated sites, do sites. The early summer species, habitat of sufficient size within a not as yet, seem to have been re/ Northern Brown Argus Aricia site to maximize the chances of colonised, but this may simply reflect artaxerxes and Small Pearl-bordered colonisation. Unsurprisingly occupied the relatively short timescale and Fritillary Boloria selene were clearings and rides were also some may well be occupied in the respectively recorded from 24 and characterised by more abundant or next few years should habitat remain 28% of clearings/rides. frequent fritillary habitat, violets, rock/ suitable. Occupancy of some of the shallow soils, Bracken litter and by former/potential sites is particularly lower standard densities. Brash cover Building local partnerships important in that once populations was also significantly greater but this Promoting a sustainable future is become established these may act as is explained by the occupancy of critical to the project’s success and stepping stones to the more isolated some clear-fells. central to this is recruitment of new sites in the future. There are also a An increase in High Brown volunteers who can contribute to large number of potential sites in this Fritillary occupancy of 29% was both practical management (e.g. landscape many of which are in close recorded on project sites (Figure 5, coppicing, scrub burning) and proximity to occupied patches and Table 2). Between 2009 and 2011 the survey and monitoring of both sites and which can now reasonably the butterfly recolonised two former butterflies and habitats. During the expect to be colonised once sites, including one where it had first three years over 40 work parties management is implemented. not been recorded since 1983, and were held, working with both existing We believe the patch occupancy colonised two with no previous partner organisations and new ones rate of 23% reflects the localised records. Colonisations were confined such as a local Further Education nature of suitable habitat (around 5% to the core Arnside/Silverdale and college. on average) for this most demanding Witherslack/Whitbarrow networks, Several local partnerships of species but is very probably an where most work was undertaken, have been developed including underestimate and further monitoring

22 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths is likely to increase this proportion. recommends that for open space where the intention is to establish This occupancy rate demonstrates butterflies the number of large permanent open space, others the value of managing enough standards should not exceed 15 per allowed to revert to canopy closure clearings and rides across the ha (Clarke et al., 2011). Unoccupied before re-coppicing, and in order to landscape because some may never clearings and rides had higher (but maintain connectivity, rides will need produce any habitat of sufficient not significantly) densities of standard to be managed on rotation. Unlike quality and others only a small trees (c. 65 per ha) than occupied grasslands, where a less intensive proportion. However, less than 6% of clearings (c. 40 per ha), but as management regime (usually grazing) the ancient woodland was managed no distinction was made between follows restoration, longer-term over three years, and only a fraction standard size during the habitat management of woodlands, whilst of the entire landscape resource. condition survey, these data should less intensive than the restoration Our data show that only a small be treated with a degree of caution. phase, will still require a significant proportion of the woodland resource The High Brown Fritillary is a species and ongoing input. is managed during a project and which does not tolerate shading of This project also demonstrates therefore the impact on high forest its breeding habitat and therefore the real value of partnership working. flora and fauna is likely to be minimal. clearings and rides with higher Volunteers from a whole range of Bracken litter was significantly numbers of large standards are less organisations have and will continue more frequent in occupied than likely to be occupied. Clearings and to play an important role in this unoccupied clearings. Bracken was rides of this nature arose during landscape, not only in survey and present in 75% of occupied scrub this project either because WIGs monitoring, but in maintaining managed clearings, but was also funded only thinning or because woodland open space, especially present in 53% of the occupied landowners were reluctant to sacrifice on smaller or more difficult sites. coppice coupes and rides. Asher commercially and aesthetically There is no doubt that without the et al. (2001) suggest that the High valuable trees. In these instances FCE and the eWGS programme, the Brown Fritillary formerly occurred in it is likely that the quality of habitat impact of this project would have woodland clearings where Bracken produced, while perhaps suitable been considerably less. Our data was probably present. The role of for High Brown Fritillaries, would demonstrate that there was very little Bracken in grass/Bracken mosaics have been further enhanced had difference in habitat quality between is well understood, but our data more standard trees been felled. clearings and rides produced under suggest it could also be a key As a general rule however areas GrantScape or WIGs, but we believe habitat component in woodlands with large standards were less likely this is almost certainly the result too. Presence of nectar plants to be selected in the first place for of the close working relationship was not recorded as part of the clearance because of difficulties with developed between our project habitat condition survey but casual timber extraction and disposal of officers, FCE staff and the woodland observation suggested that they were large volumes of branch wood. landowners and their agents. As most abundant in places where the Regenerating scrub and coppice eWGS has the potential to enter openness of the woodland structure and standard density data indicate into longer-term agreements with had allowed Bracken to persist and it some clearings are already becoming landowners, we believe its continued is possible that availability of nectar unsuitable for the butterfly which availability and targeting at key sites encouraged colonisations by the emphasises the importance of on the Morecambe Bay Limestones is target species. continuity of management. Some crucial to the long-term future of this Butterfly Conservation may require early intervention butterfly in the UK.

100 3 90 High Brown Fritillary present High Brown Fritillary present 80 High Brown Fritillary absent High Brown Fritillary absent 70 2 60 * * 50

(unless otherwise stated) 40 1 30 * * 20 10 Percentage 0 0 class Leaf litter Area (ha) frequency frequency Standards soils cover scrub cover Brash cover height class Grass cover Deer impact habitat cover Bracken litter Rock/shallow Regeneration Regenerating density (no/ha) Suitable fritillary Violet frequency

Figure 6 Differences in mean habitat condition between clearings and rides occupied (n = 26) and unoccupied (n = 86) by the High Brown Fritillary on 23 Morecambe Bay Limestones sites in 2011(significant differences indicated by: * P <0.05; ** P< 0.01)

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 23 Conserving the Marsh Fritillary in Dorset: lessons from over 15 years of landscape-scale conservation Caroline Bulman, Nigel Bourn, Richard Belding, Ian Middlebrook, Sarah Brook, Bill Shreeves and Martin Warren

north and central Dorset) (Figure 1). The Marsh Fritillary breeds in both habitats but the occurrence of

Martin Warren the species on the chalk downland is probably a more recent event. Historically colonies were generally found in the wet grasslands that give this butterfly its common name. Many of these sites have disappeared through drainage and agricultural improvement. The Marsh Fritillary was able to colonise the downland sites due to a general reduction in grazing pressure, which allowed the host plant to grow in a more favourable sward height range for the species. The first known downland colony was at Hod Hill, which established itself during the early 1900s (Thomas and Webb, 1984) and still supports a large population of the butterfly. The Marsh Fritillary on chalk grassland Introduction number of downland colonies now in Dorset This case study presents one of the outnumbers those on traditional wet few examples of a threatened species grassland sites. Despite the utilisation responding positively at a landscape- of downland sites at the turn of the scale to targeted agri-environment 20th century the abundance and schemes. Crucial elements to distribution of the species has been success have been the targeted in decline in the county due to habitat advice and support to landowners loss and fragmentation. by Natural England and Butterfly To achieve long-term population Conservation staff. stability, the butterfly requires an In England current strongholds extensive network of well connected for the Marsh Fritillary are the Culm habitat patches where Devil’s-bit grasslands of Devon and Cornwall, Scabious is abundant. Research Rhôs pastures on Dartmoor and has shown that an area of between the chalk downland of Wiltshire, 80 ha and 142 ha per 1,600 ha (i.e. principally across Salisbury Plain and 5-9% of a landscape) is required to both chalk and wet grasslands in achieve persistence for 100 years, Dorset. depending on the spatial location In Dorset the host plant, Devil’s-bit of the habitat (Bulman et al., 2007). Scabious Succisa pratensis grows We describe the results from 25 in two contrasting habitats, damp years of monitoring the coordinated meadows on heavy soils (mainly in conservation efforts to save this the north and west of the county) species across the two distinct Dorset and on dry chalk downland (mainly landscapes.

24 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 1 The current distribution and status of Marsh Fritillary in Dorset (2006 to 2010). Wet grassland sites in the Blackmoor Vale are shown, most other sites occur on chalk grassland

Project methods for the lower levels of cattle grazing required by the butterfly. Butterfly Conservation has worked In Dorset, the status and closely with Natural England (and distribution of the Marsh Fritillary its predecessors) since the early Caroline Bulman has been monitored and studied in 1980s, undertaking training and land great detail (Figure 1). Monitoring manager advisory visits to explain by the transect method has taken the ecology and management place since 1980 by volunteers on requirements of the Marsh Fritillary 27 sites. At a number of key and within its grassland habitats across potential sites (32 in total since most of the key landscape areas. 1983), larval web counts have also Since the early 1990s we worked been carried out to monitor annual to help improve the conservation abundance and counts converted delivery under the South Wessex to total numbers according to the Downs Environmentally Sensitive area of breeding habitat searched Area (ESA), helping to develop a (after Thomas and Simcox, 1982). supplementary grazing payment A Marsh Fritillary larval web in late summer Distributional changes over the

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 25 longer sward height of between 12 and 25 cm on damp grassland sites (Bulman, 2001). Suitable stocking

Martin Warren densities range from 0.2 to 0.3 livestock units per ha per year. Of 34 sites occupied between 2001 and 2010 (Table 1), 30 were in a current agri-environment scheme (either Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES), Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) or Higher Level Environmental Stewardship (HLS)). The supplementary extensive grazing allowance was available on 12 sites and entered into on four of these; grazing reductions were negotiated on a further two without the extra payment being required. Species response Throughout Dorset, the Marsh Fritillary has been recorded at 119 sites in 30 years, including single sightings, and from 52 sites between 2000 and 2011. Of the 52 post-2000 sites, the butterfly had not been Chalk grassland in Dorset, showing the variation in sward structure required by the Marsh previously recorded from 25 and Fritillary new, mostly small, colonies were established at 15 sites. With one period were studied using a variety of was introduced in 1998 following exception, most of the colonies were methods, including targeted surveys advice from Butterfly Conservation only occupied for a few years. Pre- by staff and volunteers. to help conserve the Marsh Fritillary Data on management and agri- and other invertebrates known to environmental scheme status were benefit from extensive cattle grazing, collected for each site following rather than sheep grazing. Since the face to face interviews with a senior introduction of such agri-environment Caroline Kelly Natural England advisor. schemes, we have worked closely with Natural England staff to ensure Land management results that the key sites are entered into an agreement which either maintains or In 1993 a significant new tool to restores the grassland into suitable help the introduction of sympathetic habitat for the Marsh Fritillary. This grazing management on many can be best achieved through downland sites in Dorset occurred extensive summer grazing of sites through the creation of the South which produces a varied sward, Wessex Downs Environmentally where abundant Devil’s-bit Scabious Sensitive Area. This included a occurs between 5 and 12 cm on special extensive grazing supplement chalk sites with a preference for a within the scheme. The supplement Larval web monitoring on a Dorset chalk grassland site

26 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths In agri- Not in agri- Total environment environment scheme scheme

Number extant sites 2001-10 30 4 34

Management improved for Marsh Fritillary Yes 33 No 1

Marsh Fritillary response Positive 20 2 22 Negative 1 0 1 No change 7 2 9 Unknown 2 0 2

Agri-environment scheme influenced management Yes 21 No 2 Not applicable 11

Extensive grazing supplement Yes 4 No 8 Ineligible or unavailable 22

Table 1 Marsh Fritillary sites in Dorset 2001-10 and responses to agri-environment agreement status

Colony size 1985-1990 1991-1995 1996-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010

Very large 0 0 0 2 3

Large 3 3 3 3 2

Medium 3 2 4 2 1

Small 12 6 8 11 14

Total colonies 18 11 15 18 20

Single sightings 18 8 15 34 29

Extinct colonies* 15 17 2 3 4

* Refers to number of colonies that became extinct that were extant during previous recording period

Table 2 Number and size of Marsh Fritillary colonies in Dorset 1985-2010

1990 extinctions occurred on 15 metapopulation structure (Table 2). throughout the period, highlighting sites and post-1990 extinctions on 17 Although there were more colonies the importance of key sites for the sites, most of which supported small present in Dorset during the 1980s persistence of the Dorset Marsh colonies or were only single sightings many of these were small. Many Fritillary metapopulation. (1-9 adults). local extinctions occurred during Annual counts of adult abundance The patterns of distribution over this period when recording effort have been monitored regularly five date periods indicates that increased, suggesting a high turnover throughout the UK as part of the Marsh Fritillary populations have of small sites or that a number of sites UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. fluctuated in size over time, with supported transient colonies. Since Abundance trends from butterfly some colonies becoming extinct a low point of 1991-95 and when transects show that Marsh Fritillary while some new sites have been the ESA was designated, the total populations have fluctuated colonised, particularly in southern number of colonies has risen steadily substantially over the last two and eastern Dorset within the last to the largest number for 30 years, decades, with a non-significant 10 years. Such fluctuations are with the proportion of larger and increase of 40%. When the trend characteristic of Marsh Fritillary and more stable colonies present also for Dorset is separated from and clearly demonstrate this species’ increasing. Several colonies persisted compared to the national trend it is

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 27 clear that the species is increasing 4.5 in comparison to the rest of the UK, 4 especially over the last 10 years Dorset (Figure 2). The trend for Dorset 3.5 UK represents a 278% increase during 3 20 years in comparison to a 52% decline over the same time period for 2.5 monitored sites in the rest of the UK 2 (P<0.001). When the two grassland types 1.5

are compared, Marsh Fritillary Population index 1 abundance on chalk grassland sites increased significantly by 0.5 750% (P<0.01) over 14 years in 0 comparison to a slight, but non- 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 significant downward trend on damp 1990 grassland sites (Figure 3). The timing Figure 2 Adult Marsh Fritillary abundance trends on transect monitored sites in Dorset of this increase in number of colonies compared to elsewhere in the UK 1990-2010 (dashed lines = linear trends) and abundance coincided with the 2500 introduction of sympathetic grazing management on many downland Chalk grassland sites sites through the ESA. The majority 2000 of sites were cattle grazed and Marsh Damp grassland sites Fritillary habitat was improved on 97% of sites. A positive species response, either a colonisation or an 1500 increase in abundance at established sites, was demonstrated on 65% of sites. Most holdings under the ESA 1000 have now been transferred to HLS, thus ensuring that appropriate cattle Population index grazing has continued. We know 500 that several appropriately managed new sites on the chalk have been colonised in the last decade (e.g. 0 Butterfly Conservation’s reserve at Lankham Bottom and sites within 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 the Sydling Valley) from established Figure 3 Adult Marsh Fritillary abundance trends on transect monitored sites at Dorset neighbouring colonies. chalk grassland (n = 5) and damp grassland (n = 7) sites 1996-2010 (dashed lines = Conversely, the mixed fortunes linear trends) on damp grassland sites are due

28 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths the central chalk downland and within remaining damp grassland. In practice, this means encouraging Sean Cooch extensive cattle grazing on sites where the species occurs and on sites with potentially suitable habitat close by for colonisation to occur (potentially up to 1 or 2 km away). On damp grassland sites in Dorset, greater efforts are needed to introduce extensive cattle grazing regimes in order to stabilise the habitat for the species. Maintaining consistent management is also important as the negative effects of intense grazing pressure on Marsh Fritillary can take place in a very short period, whereas following the positive effects of management intervention, it Cattle grazing introduced during 2010 at Lydlinch Common, Dorset, for the first time in 50 can take several years for populations years to recover to viable levels (Betzholtz et al., 2007). to difficulties in arranging suitable Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth The highly dynamic nature of grazing regimes (e.g. on common Hemaris tityus co-occurred with Marsh Fritillary populations means land) and few have been entered Marsh Fritillary on 77% of 23 chalk that its long-term conservation into schemes. The majority of damp downland sites (Hedges, 2011). The requires landscape-scale grassland sites have been either same study found that management management of the entire network of unmanaged or managed by periodic for Lepidoptera also benefited existing and potential sites. Although cutting, which, though not ideal, other invertebrates, with species crucial to optimise habitat quality has maintained the populations on richness of Devil’s-bit Scabious on the core sites, small sites in the some sites and controlled scrub feeding Arthropods, including the network may be critical as reservoirs encroachment. Fortunately some Jewel Beetle Trachys troglodytes, should populations at core sites damp grassland sites are now being significantly increasing with the size catastrophically decline, as well grazed for the first time in many of Marsh Fritillary populations. as acting as stepping stones that years. At Lydlinch Common, following ensure the long-term viability of the major scrub management, special Key lessons network (Bulman, 2001; Bulman et approval for permanent fencing was The crucial element to the successful al., 2007; Anthes et al., 2003). Habitat granted by the Secretary of State conservation of the Marsh Fritillary restoration should be targeted in and cattle grazing began in 2010, the across Dorset has been the targeted areas with potential habitat close first time the majority of the common advice and long-term support to to existing populations and in had been grazed in 50 years. These landowners by Natural England and areas where connectivity between changes mean that in the last 15 Butterfly Conservation staff and an populations could be improved. Our years the importance of the chalk agri-environment scheme that allows data demonstrate that management grassland sites to the conservation of sites to be managed appropriately. aimed at maintaining and restoring Marsh Fritillary has increased hugely. The distribution and abundance sites for the Marsh Fritillary is also Management for the maintenance of the species is well documented suitable for a wide range of other and restoration of sites for the Marsh in Dorset which allows the targeted threatened species utilising the same Fritillary is suitable for a wide range management of as much habitat as habitat and foodplant. of other threatened species utilising possible for the species, both within the same habitat. For example, the

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 29 The impact of management on Pearl-bordered Fritillary populations in the Wyre Forest Jenny Joy and Sam Ellis

species has become extinct in Dorset, Kent, Somerset, Surrey and reduced

Sam Ellis to a single site in Gloucestershire. Conversely, the butterfly continues to do well in parts of the West Midlands region (Joy and Williams, 2008), surviving in scattered colonies in the Oswestry Uplands and responding well to management on a few Herefordshire sites. Undoubtedly the Wyre Forest though, is the regional stronghold as well as being the third of the English strongholds (Dartmoor and the Morecambe Bay Limestones are the other two). The Wyre Forest consists of 2,634 ha of ancient woodland and is one of the most ecologically diverse in England. Pearl-bordered Fritillary Introduction Over 60% is designated SSSI and nearly 550 ha is a National Nature Landscape-scale conservation Reserve (NNR). In 1997, the Pearl- can only really be delivered in bordered Fritillary was recorded on partnership with other organisations, 41 Wyre Forest sites (Joy, 2002). landowners and volunteers. In the By 2002, a comprehensive survey Wyre Forest, Butterfly Conservation recorded the butterfly on 32 sites, but has worked closely with Forestry on a number of these, abundance Commission England (FCE), Natural had already declined from 1997 levels England (NE) and others to restore with most (76%) only supporting a Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria small colonies. euphrosyne metapopulation through In England the Pearl-bordered a programme of targeted woodland Fritillary uses either 1) woodland management. rides and clearings, such as recently The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is coppiced or clear-felled woodland, one of the fastest declining butterflies and pylon lines or 2) well-drained in the UK, having suffered a 61% habitats on lower hill land and distribution loss between 1970-82 commons with mosaics of Bracken and 1995-2004 and a 66% decline Pteridium aquilinum, grass, and in abundance between 1977 and often patchy scrub. In both habitats 2004 (Fox et al., 2006). These losses it requires abundant violets, usually are ongoing, with the most recent Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana, analysis showing a distribution loss growing in short, sparse vegetation, of 43% (the second greatest in the where there is abundant dead/ UK) and a 42% decline in abundance brown plant material (e.g. leaf litter or between 1995-1999 and 2005-09 dead Bracken). In the Wyre Forest, (Fox et al., 2011). A third of English the butterfly was thought to occur colonies became extinct between principally in woodland clearings, 1997 and 2004, leaving an estimated conditions being created by either 170 populations. Since 1997 the

30 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths coppicing or clear-fells, but was also management was funded by SITA known to occur on some Bracken/ Trust (£74k) with contributions grass/scrub mosaics as well as from the larger scheme (£9k) to Jenny Joy other open space habitat such as develop volunteer and community deer lawns, disused railway lines, aspects. From 2008 to 2012, Butterfly water pipelines and wildlife corridors Conservation staff were supported maintained for their conservation through the Midlands Fritillary project interest. funded by Countdown 2010 and the Tubney Charitable Trust. Additional Project methods funds were secured to support the Between 2003 and 2012, Butterfly production of management plans Conservation worked closely, for specific sites and specialist This coppice coupe on a south-facing through a series of funded projects, contractor site surveys. Efforts to conserve the Pearl-bordered Fritillary slope provides ideal breeding habitat and with partner organisations in the has been continuously occupied by the Wyre, coordinating survey and were focused on maintaining and Pearl-bordered Fritillary for seven years monitoring as well as providing expanding existing breeding habitat management advice, principally to through the forest and by identifying sites plus timed counts on at least 10 NE and FCE who manage the main new sites that might offer scope for others. Timed counts are particularly central forest block. A Wyre Forest occupancy. This largely involved suitable in a dynamic landscape Lepidoptera Liaison Group was providing management advice where occupancy of a single clearing established and has met biannually and occasionally letting habitat may only last a few years. Counts to share knowledge and coordinate management contracts. Identification were classified as small, medium action. workshops were also held to support or large population sizes following From 2008 to 2012, FCE potential survey and monitoring Oates (2003): large = peak season coordinated the Grow With Wyre volunteers and winter work parties counts of 50 or more, medium = 21- Landscape Partnership Scheme, organized to contribute to the 49, small = 20 or less. Note a site is funded by the Heritage Lottery management programme. defined as a single clearing or ride Fund, including the Back to Orange Since 2002, the Pearl-bordered supporting a local population. These project targeted at conserving the Fritillary monitoring programme has sites can be adjacent, as in the case fritillaries of the Wyre Forest. Land comprised butterfly transects on two of coppice coupes or clear-fell areas created at different times, or some distance apart (e.g. wildlife corridors). In 2011 an assessment was made of the coppice and ride-widening programmes being implemented 1 1 •Coppice by NE in three areas of the NNR by 9 Cleared south-facing timed counts in the coppice coupes 15 • bank and counts along individual rides. •Open space Land management Ride/track • management The Pearl-bordered Fritillary has 2 occupied or continued to occupy 13 Clear-fell for PAWS at least 68 sites in the Wyre Forest • restoration from 2002 to 2011. The predominant Scallops management type implemented on 17 • each of 58 well known sites was Scrub cleared meadow identified (Figures 1 and 2). While • coppice and clear-fell would be expected to feature highly (41% of occupied sites), the number of Figure 1 Predominant management type recorded at well known Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites managed as permanent open sites in the Wyre Forest 2002-2011 (n = 58) space (29%) or maintained by ride/ PAWS = Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site track work (22%) was much higher

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 31 than expected. These data clearly demonstrate that the butterfly can

Jenny Joy benefit from a variety of management regimes and is being successfully maintained in the long-term through open space management such as random mowing of paths in Bracken, Bracken rolling in July, annual cut and collect programmes (to encourage nectar sources and prevent scrub encroachment), grazing and site enlargement (frequently done as part of ongoing thinning operations so at minimum cost). A total of 21 sites were directly managed through the Back to Orange project, including opening up south-facing slopes, damp areas and a powerline, improving linkage, scallop creation, successful liming trials, and the fencing of one site to enable grazing. A collector flail was also purchased to help increase the level of ride management and enable arisings to be easily removed. Stump removal was also undertaken on certain sites (e.g. scalloped areas) so

Jenny Joy they could be more easily managed in the long-term. In addition to Back to Orange, FCE has continued to widen rides, create scallops and links and to use volunteer work parties to ensure brash is removed from sites that are clear-felled/cut in the most important areas. NE has recently extended their ride-widening programme to two further areas and are managing coppice rotations in three different areas of the forest. They also cattle graze most of the flower- rich meadows along the main river corridor. Species response Overall the population index for the Wyre Forest between 2002 and 2011 increased by 113% in comparison to a non-significant trend across the whole UK during the same period This ride has been widened to improve connectivity. Bracken management and (Figure 3). 2010 and 2011 were scarification ensures breeding and nectaring habitat is also provided along the open ride exceptional years for the Pearl-

32 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 2 Predominant management type recorded at timed count monitored Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites in the Wyre Forest 2002-2011 (n = 41) bordered Fritillary in the Wyre Forest be maintained on small sites for successful in its main aim of helping with 2011 recording the highest some years (e.g. one site has only conserve the Wyre Forest fritillaries. numbers over the entire recording increased in size from 0.5 to 0.75 The Pearl-bordered Fritillary occupied period. In 2011, 11 large, three ha over the past 10 years but has 13 of 21 new sites established medium and 16 small colonies were regularly recorded more than 10 through the project (62% occupancy) identified by timed counts (Table 1). adults). and there were large increases in These exceptional years follow on There is no doubt that numbers on at least five other existing from generally poor results in 2008 the targeted Back to Orange sites. The Wood White Leptidea and 2009, themselves probably management was extremely sinapis butterfly is now much more a consequence of the prolonged poor summer of 2007. These data illustrate just how quickly populations Jenny Joy can respond under ideal weather Jenny Joy conditions once the required habitat is present. Timed count population increases data were mirrored on transects, with annual indices from both the Wyre Forest East and Wyre Forest West routes increasing both in 2010 (to 43 and 28 respectively) and in 2011 (to 186 and 318). The size of many sites monitored by timed counts tends to be small with 15% being <0.25 ha in size and only 39% being >1 ha. Nevertheless, small sites can support high population densities if the habitat conditions are optimal (e.g. 159 adults recorded on a 0.27 ha site in 2011). Good numbers can also Forestry Commission England and Butterfly Conservation volunteers open up a clearing where 157 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were subsequently recorded

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 33 400 Wyre Forest management close to occupied sites 350 to maximize colonisation events for UK this largely sedentary butterfly. Three 300 longer distance colonisation events 250 occurred (> 0.5 km), suggesting that under suitable conditions, the 200 butterfly is able to capitalise on a

150 network of well connected habitat patches. Population index 100

50 Building local partnerships As a result of running butterfly 0 identification courses in the forest for 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 two years, a Wyre Forest Butterfly Figure 3 Pearl-bordered Fritillary population trend in the Wyre Forest landscape 2002- Recorders Group was established 11. Data analysed by TRIM; UK national trend included for comparison in 2010. Between 2009 and 2010, the number of people involved in the survey and monitoring programme Year Total no. No. small No. medium No. large Total area quadrupled. This increased survey occupied sites colonies colonies colonies occupied (ha) effort has enabled colony size

2002 15 11 4 0 27.07 estimates to be made for a larger range of sites in 2011. Butterfly 2003 14 13 1 0 27.12 Conservation now leads at least 2004 14 11 3 0 25.86 four volunteer work parties in the Forest annually with many others 2005 18 17 1 0 31.65 being led by FCE or NE. Butterfly 2006 13 11 2 0 22.82 Conservation’s West Midlands Branch 2007 16 10 6 0 27.79 volunteers take a leading role in many of these activities. 2008 18 15 3 0 34.73 2009 13 11 2 0 39.66 Key lessons 2010 23 16 4 3 46.25 The Wyre Forest currently supports 2011 30 16 3 11 52.11 a thriving Pearl-bordered Fritillary metapopulation which has occupied or continued to occupy at least 68 Table 1 Population size of Pearl-bordered Fritillary colonies on sites in the Wyre Forest monitored by timed counts from 2002-2011 where L = large (peak season counts of 50 or sites since 2002. The butterfly has more), M = medium (21-49), and S = small (20 or less) benefited from a variety of targeted management regimes with open space and ride/track management secure in the forest with numbers bordered Fritillaries were seen along being just as important as coppice significantly higher on its main most of the rides (total of 179 seen) and clear-fell. The amount of remaining site and one new site now and the butterfly was present on occupied habitat has nearly doubled possibly established after dispersal 11 out of 14 coppice coupes (79% over the past 10 years with the in 2010. Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus occupancy). targeted management near existing malvae numbers are finally starting to More than three-quarters of occupied sites within the main forest increase from an all time low in 2009, colonisations occurred between block being a key factor in the level of and other butterflies and moths such 2009 and 2011 (Figure 4 and 5) success. as Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis coinciding with the Back to Orange Close partnership working over paphia and Drab Looper Minoa project. Assessments of the distance at least the last decade has also murinata have moved into the more between the 41 sites occupied since been instrumental in the successful open areas. Corridors created have 2002 and the nearest extant colony conservation of the Pearl-bordered already been effective both in terms (Figure 6) revealed that over half the Fritillary and other butterflies and of encouraging colonisation of new colonisations (66%) were adjacent moths in the Wyre Forest. This has sites and in terms of improved habitat to or within 0.25 km of an existing resulted in regional FCE and NE fully condition. population. This demonstrates the supporting subsequent project work During the 2011 NNR survey, Pearl- importance of targeted woodland and taking the lead in identifying

34 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 4 Change in status of Pearl-bordered Fritillary at sites in the main Wyre Forest block 2002-2011 (n = 68)

further opportunities to extend 20 breeding habitat. There is no doubt that the 16 emphasis on volunteer development through the Grow with Wyre and the 12 Midlands Fritillary projects and the consequent increase in volunteers, has been hugely successful in 8 terms of increasing our knowledge of the current status of the rarer 4 Wyre Forest Lepidoptera. Additional

volunteers have also enabled Number of new sites occupied Butterfly Conservation to support 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 more management through a Year of occupancy combination of volunteer work parties Figure 5 Number of new sites occupied annually by Pearl-bordered Fritillary at the and closer liaison with key partners. Wyre Forest 2003-2011 (n = 41) Providing more long-term 20 sustainable coppice, involving local coppice workers and further improvements to connectivity will be 16 the focus of the Re-connecting the Wyre project, a follow-up to Back 12 to Orange commencing in 2012. This new project will also focus on 8 volunteer development to ensure survey and monitoring is sustained, as this is the key to assessing 4 the success of the woodland Number of new sites occupied management programme. 0 Adj 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75 3 3.25 3.5 3.75 4 Distance from nearest known occupied site (km) Figure 6 Proximity of new Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites to nearest occupied site in the Wyre Forest 2003-2011 (n = 41)

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 35 Specialist moths in Breckland: creating bare ground habitat on a landscape-scale Sharon Hearle and Sam Ellis

mowing combined with some very wet summers has contributed to a decline in bare and disturbed ground

Sharon Hearle on Breckland grass-heath sites and forest rides. The Grey Carpet Lithostege griseata and the micro-moth Basil Thyme Case-bearer Coleophora tricolor are confined as breeding species in the British Isles to Breckland. The Brecks are also an important landscape for several other Lepidoptera species, including a number of nationally rare species of moth, such as Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona, Forester Adscita statices, Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata and Marbled Grey Carpet Introduction Clover Heliothis viriplaca. For all these species disturbed Ground disturbance is a key tool for ground is known to be an important creating early successional habitat. factor in their occurrence. The Grey In the Brecklands of eastern England Carpet is associated with disturbed we demonstrate how a range of ground and early successional ground disturbance techniques have stages; Breckland is also the main been utilised to create suitable habitat centre of distribution of Flixweed for a suite of threatened moths across Descurainia sophia, the larval the landscape. foodplant. The larvae of Basil Thyme Breckland is a unique area Case-bearer feed on Basil Thyme of open heathland, forestry and Clinopodium acinos by sealing agricultural land that straddles the the flowerhead with silk forming a western borders of Suffolk and protective case before moving on to Norfolk. A Breck was a temporary grasses on which they overwinter and field cultivated for a few years and feed on in the spring. Basil Thyme then abandoned to enable fertility to grows in open, regularly disturbed recover. The mosaic nature of the calcareous grass heaths. The Brecks resulting grass-heath vegetation is a is one of three UK strongholds for consequence of local variation in soil the Lunar Yellow Underwing; the conditions and land management larvae feed on a variety of grasses history. The presence of bare ground on dry open heaths where tufts and early successional habitats of grass grow with bare soil. The is an important feature of Breck Brecks is also a stronghold for the heathlands and dry grasslands and Forester moth; the larvae feed on provides habitat for many scarce Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella and insects and plants. In recent years Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa. The management by sheep grazing and

36 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Tawny Wave frequents rides and is largely confined to the Brecks and the Marbled Clover is often seen at

flowers by day and frequents the tall Sharon Hearle ruderal vegetation that emerges after bare ground cultivation on some site. Project methods In 2008-09 Butterfly Conservation created 59 bare ground plots using five different treatments across 15 sites in Suffolk and Norfolk, with the objective of creating bare ground suitable for the target moth species across the landscape (Figure 1). The project was funded largely by SITA Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund. The total cost of bare ground creation by contractors was £15k. At all sites the existing vegetation was a tall grass sward with no evidence of recent disturbance. Most of the plots were 150 m long and 3 Turf stripping at Cavenham Heath NNR m wide although some were much larger. 46 plots were created between November 2008 and March 2009 and check that work would not impede and is therefore readily available on a further 13 plots were created in public access, damage archaeology, FCE managed sites. Two plough November/December 2009. destroy known wildlife interest ridges are created either side of As creation of bare ground is a or impact on other research. On an undisturbed central sward. The relatively rare, untested technique, Forestry Commission England (FCE) objective of the ridge and furrow is a great deal of liaison was needed land this project is part of larger to create a variable microtopography to identify locations for the various partnership with Plantlife and the for invertebrates. This treatment was treatments. It was necessary to University of East Anglia, enabling used to create 9 plots at 5 different a longer-term study of their impact sites. on other invertebrate groups (e.g. spiders) and plants. Agricultural ploughing: Standard agricultural equipment was used to The five treatment create 6 plots at 2 different sites. The Sharon Hearle objective of the ridge and furrow is to types were: create a variable microtopography for Rotovating: Standard agricultural invertebrates. equipment was used to create 29 plots at 13 different sites. Rotovation Disc harrowing: Standard is rapid and straightforward; rotovator agricultural equipment was used to depth can be adjusted and the create 4 plots at 3 different sites. The number of passes varied to break up disc harrow cuts through the existing the grass turf and create a fine tilth. vegetation creating bare ground All existing vegetation is removed but without completely destroying and the grass sward completely the sward. This treatment has been broken up. successfully used before to create ideal conditions for Basil Thyme and Forest ploughing: The same consequently Basil Thyme Case- equipment is used to create the bearer. Rotovation of a ground disturbance plot at conditions for planting forest crops Maidscross Hill

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 37 © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021

Figure 1 Location of 59 bare ground plots established on 15 sites across the Brecks landscape during 2008-09

Turf stripping: A bulldozer was September, to survey four of the used to scrape turf and top soil into target moths and two of the larval a bank along the boundary of the foodplants. About half the plots were strip to create 11 plots at 4 different also surveyed again in 2011. Plots Sharon Hearle sites. This was the most expensive were walked during the day in fine, treatment because of haulage costs dry weather to record day-flying to the different sites. At Cavenham moths such as the Grey Carpet and Heath NNR further expense was Forester that can be easily disturbed incurred where the arisings had to during the day by walking through the be moved further afield to avoid vegetation. Grey Carpet larvae can obscuring World War 2 archaeology. also be readily found during the day on Flixweed. The presence of Lunar Figure 2 illustrates the location and Yellow Underwing was confirmed management treatment of the 24 by night-time torchlight searches most southerly plots across four for larvae feeding on grass between sites in the Brecks. All the plots were November and March. Basil Thyme visited at least twice in 2009 and Case-bearer monitoring required 2010 with visits between April and collection and storage of Basil Thyme June and again between July and seed-heads before the larvae emerge. King’s Forest rotovated plot with abundant Flixweed

38 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths a) Plot treatments b) Flixweed (Grey Carpet larval foodplant)

c) Grey Carpet d) Lunar Yellow Underwing Figure 2 Location of 24 of the bare ground plots established in the southern half of the Brecks landscape during 2008-09 together with responses of target moths and their larval foodplants in the period 2009-11

Flixweed (Figure 2b) and subsequently Grey Carpet (Figure 2c) appeared on plots close to arable margins along the southern edge of King’s Forest. In contrast Lunar Yellow Underwing larvae were recorded on new grass tufts surrounded by bare soil on plots on long established heathlands at Cavenham Heath NNR and West Stow Country Park (Figure 2d). The Forester was attracted to abundant nectar sources, such as Viper’s-bugloss, which appeared on some plots (Figure 2e).

© Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 e) Forester

Since not all plots were surveyed the target moths and the proportion many butterflies and other nectaring in 2011, the results presented here actually occupied by those species. insects. may well underestimate both the Successional changes were observed occurrence of the target habitats and on the plots with plant cover gradually Species response the occupancy of the target moth increasing, but also changes in plant 1. Grey Carpet: Flixweed, an arable species. composition occurred, producing weed and the foodplant for Grey potential habitat for the target moth Carpet appeared on 34% of plots and Land management results species at different stages. An was the dominant species on some Tables 1 and 2 summarise the results abundance of nectar from a variety (Figure 2b). Grey Carpet (adults or of plot surveys undertaken in 2009, of ruderals was present throughout larvae) were found on 13% of plots 2010 and 2011 and respectively spring and summer, a major factor (Figure 2c) including one with only show the proportion of plots which in attracting moths such as Forester two plants present. Bare ground plot produced suitable habitat features for and Grey Carpet during the day and treatments produced only temporary

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 39 Sharon Hearle Sharon Hearle

Cranwich Heath plot with abundant nectar from Viper’s-bugloss utilised by the Forester moth

habitat and Flixweed did not appear edge of King’s Forest (Figure 2b). on eight of these (Figure 2d). The turf on the same plots in 2010 and Flixweed grows in abundance stripped plots initially remained very 2011, so further annual disturbance in cultivated arable margins and bare over a couple of seasons but are would be needed to ensure habitat amongst crops especially root now beginning to develop grass tufts continuity. Plots created directly crops such as Sugar Beet. Plots and may provide habitat in the future. next to arable margins, particularly along forest rides which had been those with a cultivated margin next formerly cultivated fields also tended 4. Forester: The Forester moth was to the arable crop, were especially to support Flixweed. At Cavenham attracted to the abundant nectar successful in Flixweed colonisation Heath NNR Flixweed did not appear that appeared on many plots and such as those along the southern on either rotovated or turf stripped was found on 20% of plots created plots even though it was frequent in (Figure 2e). At four plots previously the margin of the nearby arable field, dominated by Sand Sedge Carex probably due to the fact that this site arenaria, Sheep’s Sorrel appeared in

Dave Green has not been cultivated before. abundance after disturbance which may support breeding Forester in the 2. Basil Thyme Case-bearer: Basil future. Thyme, the foodplant for Basil Thyme Case-bearer appeared on one plot Building local partnerships but only as occasional plants until Volunteer involvement in survey and 2011, when over a dozen appeared. monitoring was vital to the project’s success; nearly 70 volunteer days 3. Lunar Yellow Underwing: Many were contributed to this task in 2009 of the plots provided suitable grass and 2010. Without this input it would tufts for Lunar Yellow Underwing have been very difficult for the project larvae but heavy sheep, rabbit or officer to undertake multiple site visits even deer grazing can reduce the to widely dispersed plots and survey suitability of grass tufts for the moth a suite of target moths with different as the season progresses. Although adult flight periods. Day-flying moths only 12 plots were surveyed, Lunar such as Grey Carpet, Forester and Yellow Underwing larvae were found Marbled Clover can be monitored Lunar Yellow Underwing

40 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths relatively easily with minimal training. However survey and monitoring the Larval foodplant Treatment type

Lunar Yellow Underwing requires Rotovation Forest Agricultural Disc Turf Total more specific training and dedication, Ploughing Ploughing Harrowing Stripping whilst surveying for Basil Thyme Flixweed 11 (38%) 4 (44%) 2 (33%) 0 3 (27%) 20 (34%) Case-bearer is a highly skilled Basil Thyme 0 0 0 0 1 (9%) 1 (2%) specialist undertaking less suitable Total number 29 9 6 4 11 59 for volunteers. of plots

Key lessons Table 1 Number of plots (% of total for each treatment) producing suitable habitat for Mechanical soil disturbance created target species 2-3 years after plot creation highly suitable conditions for a range of Breckland moths on some Target species Treatment type of the plots. Bare ground creation Rotovation Forest Agricultural Disc Turf Total can be an imprecise tool that only Ploughing Ploughing Harrowing Stripping occasionally produces the early Grey Carpet adult 6 (21%) 0 1 (16%) 0 1 (9%) 8 (13%) successional habitat required by the or larvae target species. It is difficult to predict Basil Thyme Case- 0 0 0 0 0 0 bearer larvae the plant species composition on Lunar Yellow 6 (21%) 0 0 1 (25%) 1 (9%) 8 (13%) a newly established bare ground Underwing larvae* Forester adult 10 (34%) 3 (33%) 1 (16%) 0 2 (22%) plot, as this depends on a range of 16 (27%) factors including soil type, vegetation Marbled Clover 3 (10%) 0 0 0 1 (9%) 4 (7%) adult and land management history of the No. plots with 8 (28%) 6 (66%) 5 (83%) 3 (75%) 8 (73%) 30 (51%) plot prior to disturbance, grazing records impacts and weather. However, the Total number 29 9 6 4 11 59 of plots most threatened moths and their * Only 12 plots surveyed larval foodplants occur in relatively low numbers across the landscape, Table 2 Number of plots (% of total for each treatment) with records of target species 2-3 years after plot creation so such work is required at a very low level to maintain and increase populations of the target species. Almost all the different treatment In the Brecks a mosaic of plots created an abundance of nectar vegetation types from calcareous from a variety of flowering plants to acid grassland can occur within throughout spring, summer and Sharon Hearle a small area, making it difficult to autumn, a major factor in attracting select the most suitable plots for moths such as Forester and Grey disturbance for a particular species. Carpet, many butterflies and other However, as further ecological nectaring insects. knowledge is acquired, we anticipate The early successional vegetation being able to target ground on the plots is dynamic, changing disturbance even more successfully year by year. Rotovated plots with in the future. abundant Flixweed in year one, were The presence of invasive reduced to just a few plants by year plants in the sward prior to ground two. Conversely turf stripped plots disturbance can also influence remained very bare in year one, the composition of the vegetation but were beginning to develop a following management. For example, more complex open sward of grass where Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, tussocks amongst bare ground by Sand Sedge or Wood Small-reed year two and three. To ensure the Calamagrostis epigejos were present presence of some suitable conditions each year, plots should be managed Grass tufts utilised by Lunar Yellow before disturbance, these species Underwing on turf stripped plot at reappeared very quickly following on rotation and management should Cavenham Heath NNR treatment. include a range of treatments.

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 41 The Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods: a low input large output landscape project Nigel Bourn, Tom Brereton, Caroline Bulman and Caroline Kelly

few woodlands in south Essex. The majority of sites are owned or managed by conservation organisations or public bodies with Caroline Bulman a duty to maintain the biodiversity interest, and nearly all are now actively managed, in part, for the Heath Fritillary. In the Blean woodland complex the butterfly uses rides (50% of colonies) and coppice (45%) or recently clear-felled woodland (5%) where its larval foodplant, Common Cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense, is abundant. Here the Heath Fritillary occupies woodland clearings or coupes that remain suitable for only short periods of time. Colonies tend to reach maximum size in the first two or three years after felling/ coppicing, and then begin to decline as conditions become too shady. If Heath Fritillary a clearing is not colonised within the Introduction first two years after its creation then Not all landscape-scale projects it will remain uncolonised and not require large resources for Butterfly Conservation to make a difference. One such project involves an active partnership to conserve the Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia in the Blean

Woods, north of Canterbury in Kent, Caroline Bulman a major stronghold for the species now containing approximately 60% of all UK colonies. The woodlands are principally owned and managed by several conservation bodies including RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, The Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission England. In the UK the Heath Fritillary is restricted to just four small areas; the Blean Woods in Kent, Exmoor in Somerset, the Tamar & Lydford Valleys in Cornwall and Devon and introduced populations in a Heath Fritillary on Common Cow-wheat

42 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Natural England 100022021 [2012] Figure 1 Location of Heath Fritillary colonies in the Blean Woods complex in 2011. Currently unoccupied sites named in grey be utilised by the butterfly until the Fritillary population in the long- The Heath Fritillary is one of coppice cycle starts again. A cleared term in such a dynamic landscape, Britain’s most threatened species patch of woodland is generally suitable clearings must be created of butterfly, having undergone a suitable for between three and six (and colonised) at the same rate 25% decline in distribution between years depending on tree species and at which extant colonies are being 1970-82 and 1995-2004 and an even growth rate. Warren (1987) found lost. Thirty years of monitoring the steeper population decline of 73% that in the Sweet Chestnut Castanea Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods between 1984 and 2004 (Fox et al., sativa coppice, a large component has shown that, on average, only 2006). Fortunately, thanks to the of the Blean Woods, the vigorous about one in three cleared areas targeted management in the Blean growth and the absence of deer provide suitable breeding habitat, and elsewhere, these declines have meant colonies could be lost in as although this proportion is increased been halted and even reversed in the little as six years without regular because areas are often cut for other last decade (Fox et al., 2011). In the cutting. During the 2000s colonies target species such as the Common Blean Woods, following a rapid loss in coppice coupes went extinct after Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. of colonies in the 1990s numbers only two to four years, possibly due These woodlands therefore require have now recovered to pre-1980 to more vigorous regrowth. sustained active management to levels (Table 2). In order to maintain the Heath conserve this butterfly.

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 43 Project methods Butterfly Conservation has been

Mike Enfield monitoring all known sites for the Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods since 1980, using the timed-count method, with six comprehensive surveys being carried out at between four and eight year intervals. Since 2002 Butterfly Conservation has coordinated all the survey results across the complex annually and each year the occupied habitat is mapped (Figure 1). Each year repeat surveys are undertaken of all the extant colonies from the previous year, of all the new management blocks carried out during the past winter, and of any unoccupied management blocks from the Sweet Chestnut coppice coupe with abundant Common Cow-wheat in the foreground previous two years as the butterfly generally only colonise habitat within SIte Management type 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 two years of creation (Warren, 1987 and Figure 2). An estimate of habitat suitability is made by recording the East Blean Wood Coppice coupes and 1.2 1.3 0.7 ride-widening/scallops presence of Common Cow-wheat West Blean & Thornden Clear-fell 7.8 27.5 26.1 using an abundance scale (0-5, Wood (incl. Cole Wood) where 0 represents absence), and Coppice/other 6.4 7.4 1.9 notes made on the general habitat condition and any management Clowes Wood Ride edges, wide ride 3.4 2.9 3.0 requirements. cuttings, way-leaves Habitat management data from Blean Woods NNR (incl. Coppice coupes and 12.7 13.2 14.6 the previous winter management Stock Wood) ride management period is now obtained from the Homestall Wood 2.5 2.3 2.0 relevant partner organisations enabling tracking of the species Total 34.0 54.5 48.2 across the landscape as it responds to the annual management. This data Table 1 Woodland management within the Blean Woods and areas managed during each is also used to determine the area winter management period of management achieved across the

1980 1984 1989 1996 2004 2008 2009 2010 2011

Total number of colonies 25 21 14 14 25 37 30 31 23

Total area of occupied habitat (ha) 28 22 19 23 20 18 30 27 28

Table 2 Total number of Heath Fritillary colonies and total colony flight areas for the Blean Woods 1980-2011. Only data for years with comprehensive surveys included

44 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths landscape as a whole each year by RSPB, Forestry Commission and Kent considerably less than that in the the partnership. Monitoring results Wildlife Trust (Table 1). recent past. and management assessments are Butterfly Conservation has been Table 2 shows the overall number summarised in an annual report involved with the Heath Fritillary in of colonies and colony flight areas which is circulated to all partners and the Blean woodland complex from for the Blean Woods, for those years meetings between the managers the 1980s and during this time we where a comprehensive survey was and Butterfly Conservation are held have built up a comprehensive undertaken. The UK BAP target for to inform management priorities understanding of the ecological the Blean Woods complex to maintain for the winter. Such detailed and needs of the species and its 25 colonies has been exceeded long-term data sets are attractive for distribution in relation to areas of every year since 2004 (31 colonies in academics resulting in collaboration suitable habitat including coppice, 2010), while in many ways the more with the University of York to carry out rides and permanent open space challenging and ecologically more population dynamic modelling for a within the Blean landscape. This in- robust target of achieving 30 ha of successional species (Hodgson et al., depth knowledge has demonstrated suitable occupied habitat each year 2009). the reliance of the species on new was finally achieved in 2009 following open habitat within the woodland in several years where the amount of Land management results close proximity to extant sites. This breeding habitat was decreasing, The butterfly has historically been has allowed the management to be reaching its lowest ever level in 2008. linked with the traditional practice targeted at existing occupied sites Delivering the second target is a of woodland coppicing, giving it and nearby open space. Levels of better measure of success because the local name of the ‘Woodman’s management have not generally the increase in colony numbers since Follower’ and management aims increased across the landscape, only 2004 is at least partly explained by to ensure a succession of sunny the area occupied (Table 2). the fragmentation of several colonies clearings with abundant hostplant in East Blean and Thornden and in otherwise sparse vegetation. Species response West Blean Woods, following less Coppicing produces such clearings, Figure 1 shows the overall management. An increase in colony but continuity of management is distribution of Heath Fritillary across numbers due to fragmentation results essential. Wide sunny rides are the landscape in 2011. The Heath in smaller colonies occupying smaller needed for the species to move to Fritillary occupies small recently cut areas, such colonies are at increased new, freshly cleared areas where coupes of size greater than 0.2 ha risk of extinction. conditions are suitable for breeding. and the open ride network where The increase in Heath Fritillaries All the management work within Common Cow-wheat is abundant. in the late 1990s coincided with the Blean is undertaken by the This equates to less than 2% of the improved targeting of coppicing woodland owners, principally the area in any one year and has been close to existing colonies, which significantly increased the level of occupancy of coppice coupes. Between 1990 and 1992, 18% (2 of 11) of cut coppice coupes were colonised by Heath Fritillaries, compared with 75% (9 of 12) between 1998 and 2000. In 1996 and 1997 (prior to regular monitoring and targeting), there were no Heath Fritillary colonies located in commercially managed coppice coupes, even though there were 18 scattered through the wood which had been cut over the previous four years. Figure 2 shows the distribution of created patches in terms of age and distance to the next nearest occupied Figure 2 Heath Fritillary colonisation in the Blean Woods relation to age of year after patch patch and the colonisation events creation and distance from nearest colony between 2005 and 2009 (13 colonised) between 2005 and 2009. Within

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 45 1 Summer 2004, area occupied 4 Management 2006-2007, 7 Management 2009-2010, A small colony is found in the north of the area occupied in 2007 area occupied in 2010 wood in a Sweet Chestnut coppice coupe Two small coupes cut in 2006-07 adjacent Extensive forestry operations to the south cut the previous year. All other known to existing colonies. Both these areas are of the colonies as shown. The rides colonies in the wood are checked and colonised, and the previously occupied opened five years previously are re-cut, confirmed as extinct as the habitat has areas become unsuitable. Without the another ride similarly opened up and one become unsuitable. annual management these two colonies new coppice coupe cut. The colony in the would have been lost from the woodland. north fails to respond and the one in the south contracts to area occupied in 2009.

2 Management 2004-2005, 5 Management 2007-2008, 8 Management 2010-2011, area occupied in 2005 area occupied in 2008 area occupied in 2011 In the winter of 2004/05 a new coupe cut Three further coupes cut adjacent or near A coupe is cut at the end of the east/west just to the west of the occupied area and the two existing colonies. The coupe in ride and an area coppiced to connect extensive ride side cutting undertaken the north is colonised while the previous the two rides. Two colonies stable and south to the junction. The area occupied years occupied area goes extinct (after a a third colonisation along the edge of by the colony expands slightly and the years occupancy). The southern colony an old ride that is now more open due new adjacent coupe is partially occupied. expands slightly into newly cut areas. to adjacent forestry being removed. The A second colony is established in the latter area has had occasional sightings south in a new area 600 m down the for several years but has now become a widened ride. third established colony in the wood. The two original colonies in the wood have occupied the same area for four or five years and need to colonise the newly created areas or are likely to be lost.

3 Management 2005-2006, 6 Management 2008-2009, Figure 3 Tracking a colony through West area occupied in 2006 area occupied in 2009 Blean Wood, 2004-2011 demonstrates Further increase in the coupe cut in the No Sweet Chestnut coppice cut as the short occupancy time of colonies (2-5 north of the wood and to the small coupe extensive plantation forestry operations years) and the need for targeted annual cut in the south. The butterfly fails to occur to the west of the occupied management respond significantly with no change in areas as shown. In the north the colony the area occupied by the first colony and re-occupies an area cut two winters © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. only a very slight expansion into the new previously, while in the south the areas cut Ordnance Survey 100022021 cut area by the second colony. two winters previously are occupied for the first time.

46 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths this five year period there were 13 Key lessons years after they have been created. colonisations, 10 (77%) occurring less The cost of adding a species Monitoring data has shown that than 170 m from the nearest existing element to the conservation of the the Heath Fritillary responds well to colony and all 13 occurred within woodlands in the Blean is miniscule positive conservation management two years of the patch being created. at about £3k per annum. This work. Thanks to the efforts of a This figure demonstrates the highly includes surveys, report writing and considerable number of organisations dynamic nature of the Heath Fritillary, management review meetings. The and individuals, the number of Heath as it follows the management through maintenance and management of Fritillary colonies in Blean Woods has the woodland and the need to plan the woodlands runs at approximately increased since the 1980 baseline. and target future management £100k per annum. By adding the This project has demonstrated carefully (Hodgson et al., 2009). species element (at a cost of about the key role that monitoring data Figure 3 illustrates the response 3% of the overall budget) this enables can play in helping to successfully of the butterfly to management in the management to be targeted target habitat management, with clear one part of the woodland complex across the landscape to a far greater efficiency gains. At Thornden and between 2004 and 2011. The original degree and is effectively adding huge West Blean Woods, the change in small colony in 2004 expanded in value to the overall conservation occupancy of cut coppice from 18% response to targeted management effort. in the early 1990s (without targeting) during the winter of 2004/05, which to 75% by the late 1990s (by targeting created new patches. Note the with monitoring data) is testimony to widening of the rides appears to have this. helped the one 600 m colonisation This case study has highlighted event to have occurred. The original the importance of annual monitoring colony went extinct after three years for highly dynamic species like the as the patch became shaded and Heath Fritillary. Monitoring data unsuitable. Further extinctions follow keeps managers and landowners in the created patches after only two informed and focused on the to four years of occupancy, before priorities for management and avoids finally occupying areas several complacency as the habitat condition hundred metres away from the status can soon change as clearings original colony. are often only suitable two to four

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 47 Restoring very small fragmented landscapes for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe Sam Ellis and Dave Wainwright

Introduction by restoring currently unoccupied patches as well as improving Most landscape-scale projects Sam Ellis connectivity between them. operate over hundreds or thousands of hectares. In County Durham we demonstrate that restoration of a Project methods relatively small fragmented landscape In 2002 three of the four remaining for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary populations were located along Boloria selene, is not only achievable, roadside verges or paths and were but essential to enable the dynamic ungrazed with the fourth only very changes in habitat quality to occur lightly grazed. Succession to rank and still maintain the species in the vegetation, dense Bracken and area. scrub was evident on all four sites The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and needed to be reversed to has undergone major declines in restore suitable habitat. Conversely, both distribution (34% between 1970- unoccupied potential habitat 82 and 1995-2004) and abundance patches were mainly located within (70% 1976-2004) in Britain in recent pastures overgrazed by sheep and years but especially in central and characterised by short swards with Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary eastern England (Fox et al., 2006). In relatively few violets. Unoccupied the Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe sites were all relatively close to it was reduced to four known colonies or between occupied patches in 2000 (Ellis, 2000), all located and mostly located along existing along the mid-western boundary of watercourses. Restoration of the this rolling upland, mainly pastoral, former would therefore not only County Durham landscape (Figure 1). increase the overall habitat resource In northern and western Britain, but also improve connectivity the butterfly is found in two main between them, enabling more rapid habitats, 1) damp grassland/ colonisation by the butterfly. moorland, especially around wet From 2002, scrub control, flushes, and 2) grassland with Bracken management and mowing Bracken Pteridium aquilinum and/ rank vegetation were undertaken on or scrub. Breeding occurs in grassy occupied and some potential sites vegetation, where one or both of (Table 1). On both occupied and the two main larval foodplants, potential patches we established Marsh Violet Viola palustris and small grazing compartments (on Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana average 1.20 ha) by fencing actual are abundant. Research on the or potential breeding habitat and remaining sites discovered they on the more exposed sites we also supported small, relatively isolated established small shelterbelts. On populations and that medium height two patches where there were few swards were the most suitable for or no larval foodplants we planted breeding as they provided a more both species of violet, grown by local suitable microclimate as well as authority horticulturists from locally encouraging violet regeneration (Ellis sourced seed, to create potential et al., 2011). In order to restore this breeding habitat. We investigated small fragmented landscape, efforts the potential to restore breeding to improve habitat on occupied habitat and provide connectivity patches would need to be matched along plantation watercourses by

48 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths creating streamside rides, but were unsuccessful in purchasing the woodland to implement this strategy. Dave Liddle Much of the practical management was undertaken by volunteers but over £40k of funding was secured from a range of sources and paid for the fencing. The preferred grazing regime proposed for the grazing compartments was light cattle grazing as some poaching encourages violet regeneration in grassland and trampling of Bracken habitats helps break up dense standing trash. However, farming beef cattle in the upland fringe is increasingly uneconomic and Volunteers clear scrub to restore Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary habitat only one site was cattle grazed. The new grazing compartments either remained ungrazed or were This increase was partly attributable et al., 2010). These two populations lightly sheep grazed for several (3 ha) to the discovery of previously are now distributed over more years. However, from 2009 the unrecorded patches on existing sites patches (2002: 4 patches; 2009: 11 compartments have been grazed on and two new sites. Nevertheless, the patches), but numbers have declined rotation by three fell ponies. landscape restoration project has on the original occupied patches, already resulted in an additional 2 ha where habitat quality remains below Land management results occupied habitat, tripling the 2002 optimum. Connectivity has been resource and this figure is likely to increased with minimum distances Between 2002 and 2009 the habitat increase further as more potential between sites reduced from 0.81 km resource in this network increased sites come into suitable condition. to 0.34 km. from 1 to 6 ha occupied habitat, six At Greenfield Farm a grazing times the 2002 resource (Table 1). Species response compartment was established in All sites were monitored annually 2002 to enclose an unoccupied from 2003 either by single transect heavily sheep grazed mire. The counts (Thomas, 1983), or in butterfly colonised the patch in 2003 Dave Liddle the case of Waskerley Way and with an overall positive transect trend Greenfield Farm from 2004, by a thereafter (Figure 3b). At Waskerley weekly transect (Pollard, 1977) Way a grazing compartment was encompassing both populations. All established on a large area of restored and created patches were heavily sheep grazed mire in 2005. separated from occupied patches by The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary a maximum of 0.1 km and all those colonised this patch later that year supporting appropriate breeding and the trend thereafter on the habitat have been recolonised by transect has also been positive the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Figure 3c). Likewise colonisation of (Figure 2). Some patches now a grazing compartment planted with support larger populations than the about 800 violets occurred the year original occupied patches. Annual after (Figure 3d), although numbers indices on the Waskerley Way and remained low until 2008-09 when Greenfield Farm sites have increased a breeding population appears to (Figure 3a), despite the impact of the have finally established. In 2009 this Impact of establishing exclosures to weather in 2007-08 and in contrast small patch accounted for 25% of control the level of livestock grazing. to the significant 59% national UK the transect records for the butterfly, Marsh Thistle is a favourite nectar plant of although declining thereafter. the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary decline between 1976-2010 (Botham

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 49 by the project that he has entered Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme, building an education centre and encouraging children from local schools to assist with practical tasks such as planting Stuartfield Plantation shelterbelts and violets. Key lessons Waskerley Way This project provides evidence that the principles of landscape- scale conservation are applicable regardless of landscape area. In Greenfield Farm Emma’s Wood this case we successfully restored a small landscape for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary where the population survived on a few habitat fragments. Species on the verge of local extinction often survive on suboptimal © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 habitat patches. The main driver Figure 1 Location of wet flush and grassland/Bracken/scrub habitat patches (plus main of decline in this landscape was larval foodplant) on four Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites in the Durham Coalfield identified as overgrazing and the Pennine Fringe in 2002 prior to management butterfly survived on three of the four original sites because they were ungrazed verges. The continued decline on these verges despite management effort, suggests habitat quality was and remains, suboptimal. Without intervention Greenfield Farm on both occupied and unoccupied patches further local extinctions may well have occurred in this landscape. Restoration across the landscape was not only achievable, but essential to enable the dynamic changes in habitat quality to occur and still maintain the species in the area. However, this only represents the first project phase, much Waskerley Way more extensive habitat restoration both within, between and beyond the existing sites is planned to secure the long-term future of this

© Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 metapopulation. Whilst there has been investment Figure 2 Changes in Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary patch occupancy at the Waskerley in grazing infrastructure (average of Way and Greenfield Farm sites in the Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe following landscape-scale management 2003-08 £5-6k per annum for seven years) to enable long-term management, Building local partnerships England Branch. The University of nearly all the habitat restoration was Sunderland undertook a significant undertaken by volunteers. This partly This project could not have been proportion of the research and reflects the scale of the management, implemented without the assistance Durham County Council rangers led but also the enthusiasm and of volunteers from a variety of partner nearly all the volunteer work parties, dedication of the local authority organisations, including Durham as well as established the butterfly ranger who worked so closely with County Council voluntary rangers, transect. More recently one of the Butterfly Conservation to enable the Durham Wildlife Trust, BTCV and landowners has been so enthused project to progress. Butterfly Conservation North East

50 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Cat Back Waskerley Way Greenfield Farm High Plantation Emma’s Wood Stuartfield Plantation Total Vegetation management Total area managed (ha) 0.24 0.39 1.35 0.23 2.21 Scrub control (ha) 0.13 0.01 1.35 0.23 1.72 Bracken management (ha) 0.19 0.20 0.39 Grassland mowing and raking (ha) 0.24 0.20 0.20 0.64 Controlled grazing Fencing installed (km) 2.03 0.56 0.48 3.03 0.56 6.66 Grazing compartments (ha) 5.42 1.89 0.55 8.30 0.66 16.82 Grazing compartments (no.) 5 2 1 4 2 14 Mean compartment size (ha) 1.08 0.95 0.55 2.08 0.33 1.20 Planting Shelterbelts (ha) 0.31 0.31 Shelterbelts (no.) 6 6 Mean shelterbelt size (ha) 0.05 0.05 Violet planting (area) 0.06 0.09 0.15 Changes in patch occupancy Occupied patch area in 2000 (ha) 0.21 0.22 0.45 0.22 1.10 Occupied patch area in 2009 (ha) 1.47 1.61 0.32 1.15 0.45 0.99 5.99 Previously unrecorded patches (ha) 1.47 0 0 0.71 0 0.77 2.95 Previously unoccupied patches (ha) 0 1.40 0.10 0.44 0 0 1.94

Table 1 Management implemented and changes in patch occupancy on Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites in the Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe 2002-09

250 80

200 60 150 40 100

Annual index 20 50

0 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 a) Annual indices for transect b) Annual indices for Greenfield Farm encompassing Waskerley Way and grazing compartment established 2002 Greenfield Farm populations

40 50

40 30 30 20 20

Annual index 10 10

0 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 c) Annual indices for Waskerley Way d) Annual indices for Waskerley Way grazing compartment established 2005 grazing compartment planted with violets 2003 Figure 3 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary weekly transect counts on two Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe sites 2004-11 following habitat restoration. Dotted lines indicate trends

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 51 High Brown Fritillary in the Vale of Glamorgan: saving the last site in Wales Russel Hobson and Richard Smith

Bridgend. The butterfly currently occupies just five 1km squares, with

Paul Dunn the next nearest population across the Bristol Channel at Heddon Valley on Exmoor. The Alun Valley comprises a landscape of about 254 ha of unimproved habitat (Figures 1 and 2). Part of the site (Old Castle Down and Ogmore Down) is common land and an SSSI, primarily for its very unusual mix of humid heath, calcareous heath and limestone grassland. Across this whole landscape, there are also significant areas of ancient woodland, neutral and acid grassland, with Hazel Corylus avellana and Gorse Ulex europaeus scrub and Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Land use is also mixed. Part of Ogmore Common is a golf course and there are three active quarries. Sheep grazing is largely High Brown Fritillary confined to the common with much Introduction of the non common land ungrazed. Habitat loss and fragmentation The surrounding farmland has a has occurred on such a scale and significant proportion of arable with so rapidly in some landscapes pasture for sheep, cattle and horses. that the first stage of landscape- In the Alun Valley, as in much scale conservation is to secure the of its British range, the High Brown population of the threatened species Fritillary utilises Bracken-dominated at its remaining site(s). Only then can habitats or grass/Bracken mosaics. then the process of rebuilding the Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana network of habitat patches across the is the main larval foodplant, but entire landscape begin. breeding only occurs in short, sparse In Wales the High Brown Fritillary vegetation with little grass cover. A Argynnis adippe has declined in shallow layer of Bracken litter and range by 81% (Fox et al., 2006). standing trash (or other leaf litter) Up until 2003 there was a small produces the warm microclimate population in Montgomeryshire enabling rapid larval development in (Spencer and Kelsall, 2004) and cool spring weather. others at the southern end of the South Wales Valleys, but it is now Project methods restricted to one locality, centred on Standardised adults counts began the Alun Valley on the western side in 1995 and showed continued of the Vale of Glamorgan, south of declines in abundance in the

52 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Alun Valley, coinciding with the disappearance of the species from other South Wales Valleys sites. A baseline habitat assessment in 2002 showed that while 69 ha of the Alun Valley landscape had potential for High Brown Fritillary, only 15 ha was identified as having suitable breeding habitat and that the quality of what remained was thought to be declining. In 2002 it was noted that adult High Brown Fritillary had been using trial coppice plots, begun in 1999. A management plan (Smith and Hobson, 2004) was funded by a Species Challenge Fund grant from Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), which enabled a successful © Crown Copyright. Countryside Council for Wales, 100018813 [2006] application for funding from Figure 1 Location of the Alun Valley and former/potential High Brown Fritillary sites in Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. South Wales

© Crown Copyright. Countryside Council for Wales, 100018813 [2012] Figure 2 Location of High Brown Fritillary habitat patches in the Alun Valley

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 53 bare ground that were subsequently colonised by a mixed woodland/

Paul Dunn limestone grassland flora. The aim of re-introducing rough grazing by ponies and possibly cattle to both blocks has subsequently stalled, as issues of tenure have not been resolved. With just the Alun Valley landscape occupied but adult numbers increasing dramatically, the previous South Wales Valleys sites were assessed for restoration. With funding from Welsh Assembly Government, former (late 1990s) and other possibly suitable sites within 15 km were assessed. The study not only looked at the quantity of potential habitat but also the willingness of owner/commoners to enter into management and other influences, particularly impact of arson. Eleven sites were visited and work was recommended on A view of the Alun Valley looking west eight (Figure 1). However, the area

With the management plan support areas taller Hazel and Gorse scrub was gained from the commoners, was coppiced and larger trees felled landowners and one of the quarries to create ‘flightways’ between open

and work started on an initial three- bracken patches. The Glamorgan Richard Smith year project in 2003. The funding Heritage Coast acted as the main enabled a part-time project officer ‘contractor’ undertaking heavier work (10 days/year 2003-06, then six days/ with chainsaws and an Allen scythe. year 2007 onwards) to be employed This was supplemented by up to to coordinate the management and nine annual winter work parties with monitoring work. The project officer volunteers focussing on areas which was separately employed to produce machinery could not access. The the newsletter, reports and undertake work has continued from 2007 with vegetation monitoring. further funding from CCW and Vale of The work focused on cutting Glamorgan County Borough Council back the dense Bracken litter, where Further grants from CCW and Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., PONT (Wales Grazing Animals Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum Project) were used to fence and saplings were establishing in two blocks (2.4 ha and 13.6 ha winter. The woody material was respectively) of private land and in stacked in adjacent woodland. This 2010 a livestock corral was erected. resulted in a disturbed litter layer The smaller block was grazed by ranging from bare ground to denser horses in 2007 as a one-off trial and piles of cut litter. Adjacent to these poaching created large areas of Fence and pony corral at subsite 9

54 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths of suitable or potentially suitable habitat on these sites was only 8.8 ha (just 3% of the unimproved habitat) compared with the 69 ha Richard Smith in the Alun valley landscape (27% of the unimproved habitat) (Smith, 2007). This proved that the focus of the work needed to remain in the Alun Valley, as there was still much more potential for restoration in this landscape than on other sites. Even so a further Species Challenge Fund grant helped two other commoners associations begin restoration work during 2008- 10. At Y Graig, above Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf (15 km north- east of Alun Valley), contractors and local authority staff cut back dense Bracken and opened rides to allow the commoners to re-introduce Volunteers clearing scrub at subsite 11 grazing. This prominent site was regularly subject to large scale arson 16 but thanks to the work the scale of 14 burns has been reduced and suitable habitat is being created. At Mynydd 12

Ruthin (7 km north-east of Alun 10 Valley), where grazing restoration is much more difficult, the work 8 mainly involved trialling the cutting of 6 scattered thorn bushes but arson has remained a significant problem. 4 Land management results 2 In the first three years of the Population index (adults per hour) 0 Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 project approximately 12 ha had Figure 3 Comparative changes in High Brown Fritillary abundance in the Alun Valley been managed with on-going manual 1995-2011 restoration since 2007 of about 2.5 90 ha per year (Table 1, Figure 2). Some 80 habitat patches have been re-cut 2002 up to three times during this period. 70 2006 In total 17 ha of ungrazed land has 60 been restored with another 18 ha 2010 50 restored on the grazed common, leaving a further 34 ha with potential 40 for restoration. It is estimated that, in 30 the absence of grazing, Hazel scrub Percentage cover 20 or dense Bracken requires re-cutting 10 every three years to maintain suitable 0 breeding conditions. Violet Bluebell Species response Bramble Grass/moss Bare ground The standardised adult counts have Bracken/litter been an essential tool to assess the Sward height (cm) Figure 4 Changes in High Brown Fritillary habitat condition between 2002 and 2008

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 55 species response to management Active management of Bracken (Figure 3) and have been extended slopes and scrub has benefited over the course of the management other species. Small Pearl-bordered work to cover newly restored habitat Fritillary Boloria selene has increased Richard Smith patches. The baseline vegetation in numbers since management work monitoring in 2002 was repeated in began. Early-purple Orchid Orchis 2006 and 2010 (Figure 4) in order to mascula, Common Twayblade assess habitat change. Listera ovata and Parasol mushroom Adult numbers rapidly declined Macrolepiota procera all appeared from 224 in 1995 to 17 in 1999, when in huge numbers following the trial coppicing began. Following the horse poaching of the 2.4 ha fenced start of the Aggregates Levy project compartment. Dotted Bee-fly the population steadily increased, Bombylius discolor numbers have consistently exceeding 340 since also increased with the bare ground 2007 and, though numbers fluctuate and flush of spring flowers that follow annually, they reached a new high of winter Bracken management. Hornet 588 in 2011. Robberfly Asilus crabroniformis was Vegetation monitoring was recorded for the first time in 100 years undertaken using a standard method in 2006. The violet-rich habitat created after winter of assessing the condition of Bracken management slopes for fritillary butterflies (Clarke Building local partnerships and Warren, 1997). Line transects To raise the profile of the High Brown However, we believe the High Brown down the slopes were sampled at Fritillary locally, guided walks were Fritillary population in the Alun Valley regular intervals and the abundance organised and advertised in the has now been secured through this of positive and negative indicators villages adjoining the Alun Valley. project and there is now a very real recorded. When repeated in 2006 Over 90 people attended five walks chance of successfully restoring the the abundance of violets, the larval and workshops to see the butterfly butterfly to other sites in the wider foodplant, had increased by 112% and the work done between 2004 and landscape. and the sward height more than 2007. Also the Glamorgan Heritage This restoration project has been halved, compared to the 2002 Coast has been actively promoting relatively inexpensive, roughly £6k baseline. These are both positive the work through its programme of per annum (£58k in nine years) signs the management is working. workshops, volunteer days and talks. matched with over 35 volunteer days Indicators of poor site quality – cover These activities along with press per year (345 volunteer days in total) of grass/moss, Bramble and Bluebell releases, two newsletters in 2006 and focussing on the habitat management Hyacinthoides non-scripta – all 2007 and a Natur Cymru article in and adult monitoring. declined in abundance. 2010 (Hobson and Smith, 2010) have The project demonstrates Vegetation monitoring was helped disseminate the message to excellent partnership working repeated in 2010. Violet abundance schools, visitors and further afield. between the voluntary environmental has fallen back but was still above sector, through the local LBAP that in 2002, sward height has Key lessons group, statutory conservation body, remained static and grass/moss local authority and landowners and and Bramble have declined further. Significant issues remain to be commoners. This was achieved Violet abundance was highest on addressed particularly the need through a shared understanding of the ungrazed land. This could be to introduce heavier livestock to the work needed and sustained by because these subsites have been graze on both the private land and positive results. cut more often or the sheep grazing the commons and more intensive on the common is reducing violet woodland management to maintain abundance. an actively coppiced woodland edge.

56 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths 2002/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/14 Subsite number Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Man. Area (ha) Total

1 0.70 VSG 0.25 G G G G G VCG 0.18 VSP 0.32 G 5 0.34 VSG 0.44 VSG 0.14 G VSG 0.33 VG NR G VSG 0.09 VSP 0.34 G 6 1.07 VSG 0.36 G G G G G G G

7 1.56 S 0.79 G G G VG NR G G G

8 0.29 VSF 0.51 VS 0.27

9 2.43 S 1.60 G V 0.12 V 0.12 VS 0.42 VS 1.16 VCS 1.13

9a 1.14 VS 0.31 VS 0.12 VS 0.28 VS 0.39 S 0.17 VCS 0.15

10 1.82 0.30 VSC 0.29 V 0.14 VG NR VS 0.57 VS 0.31 F 10a 2.14 S 0.37 VSC G V 0.32 S 0.27 S 0.39

11 2.66 SG 1.52 VSC 1.13 V 0.34 VG 0.68 V 0.67 VCS 1.52 F 11a 0.40 G VSF V G S 0.08

12 0.90 S 0.57 V 0.16 V 0.12 VCS 0.71

13 2.20 SG 1.32 G G G VG NR G G G

14 1.33 G VSG 0.51 G G G G G VCS 0.45 G 15&15a 3.21 S NR S 1.13

22 0.99 VSG 0.57 G G VSG 0.10 VSG 0.10 G VSG 0.05 VSG 0.18

24 9.50 VS 0.10 VSP 0.59

Main 22.22 G G G G G G G G common Total cut 12.42 0.77 1.42 1.47 2.13 1.90 2.49 9.50 32.10

Total 2.40 13.60 16.00 fenced

Table 1 Management implemented for the High Brown Fritillary in the Alun Valley 2003-10 V = hand cutting by volunteers, C = chainsaw, S = power scythe, F = fencing, G = mostly light sheep grazing, P = summer path cutting, NR = not recorded

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 57 Restoration of a Small Blue metapopulation on the Southam Lias Grasslands of Warwickshire Mike Slater and Sam Ellis

where 87% of sites had already been lost. The remaining sites were under further threat from development;

Nigel Jarman either existing consents or new planning applications. The Small Blue breeds only on flowering Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria in a range of dry, sheltered grassland habitats. In the Southam Lias Grasslands landscape the butterfly occurred on both primary and secondary calcareous grasslands, with the latter including disused quarries, road embankments and disused railways. The most suitable habitat is typically a mosaic of short and tall vegetation with patches of light scrub. Kidney Vetch is a short-lived perennial which depends on regular recruitment of seedlings to maintain its populations. The plant Small Blue Introduction thrives best in early successional Landscape-scale projects that are habitats comprising sparse swards initially focused on a single butterfly and bare ground, conditions best can benefit a suite of other species maintained by either light grazing which have broadly similar habitat or ground disturbance. In the requirements. Here we describe absence of grazing, Kidney Vetch is a project to reverse the decline of outcompeted by vigorous grasses the Small Blue Cupido minimus and scrub. Conversely heavy spring on limestone grassland habitat in and summer grazing, especially Warwickshire, where management by sheep, is detrimental and can targeted at this ‘umbrella’ or ‘flagship’ remove all Kidney Vetch flowers. species has benefited three other Furthermore, Kidney Vetch is a threatened Lepidoptera, as well as shallow-rooted plant susceptible to other invertebrates. desiccation in drought conditions The Small Blue declined but is also very palatable to slugs in nationally by 38% between 1970-82 damp conditions, so weather can and 1995-2004 (Fox et al., 2006), but also impact on foodplant populations. underwent an even steeper decline In the West Midlands it was in the West Midlands, becoming clear that without intervention at a extinct in Shropshire, Herefordshire, landscape-scale, regional extinction Staffordshire and Worcestershire. By of the Small Blue was likely. A three- 2009, only three colonies remained year project was initiated in 2009 in the region, all on lias grasslands with the aim of restoring existing and around Southam, Warwickshire, creating new habitat for the Small

58 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Blue on up to 35 sites. The project encompassed the three extant

sites, seven extinct sites which still Jane Ellis supported some habitat, as well as 25 potential sites. Project methods A programme of works was agreed with each landowner and management was funded principally by SITA Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund. Habitat restoration of limestone grassland focused on reversing succession from open grassland to dense scrub. Scrub management was undertaken by both contractors and by volunteer work parties, with the latter concentrating on sites where scrub invasion was comparatively light. Cut stumps were treated with herbicide to prevent regrowth and cut material was burnt, dead hedged or chipped on site. Secondary calcareous grasslands, such as this active quarry provide important Small Where access allowed, bulldozers Blue breeding habitat in Warwickshire were used to remove cut scrub to fire sites. Bulldozing had the advantage foodplant or where only small April). Where opportunities arose, of removing cut stumps, reducing the numbers of Kidney Vetch plants bare ground was also seeded with need for herbicide treatment, as well persisted, direct seeding and/or Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus as providing an element of ground plug planting, using material of local corniculatus, an important nectar disturbance to stimulate the natural provenance, was undertaken in early source, but also the larval foodplant regeneration of Kidney Vetch. autumn (September/October) or of other rare species such as the On sites currently without the early spring (February/March/early Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages. Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis and Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca plug plants were also planted to benefit the Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae. Green hay was also used on one site

Keith Warmington Keith Warmington to encourage recolonisation of bare ground. On unvegetated sites semi- circular or arc-shaped bunds, typically 50 m x 15 m dimensions, were created by bulldozer. These butterfly banks are similar in construction to bee banks and provide topographic diversity, important on wetter sites, as drainage is improved. The bunds also create a range of aspects, so that in drier years when many foodplants become droughted, there will be some on north-facing aspects that remain in Removal of dense scrub is often the first stage of restoring Small Blue sites

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 59 in most years) and is normally highly sedentary with adults rarely moving more than 40 m and males being more sedentary than females. As Keith Warmington Keith Warmington well as providing additional habitat, butterfly banks can potentially act as stepping stones to improve connectivity between fragmented sites, which may be beyond the typical colonising distance of this butterfly. Topographical diversity was also enhanced by removing topsoil and creating 5-7 m long eye-shaped scrapes. Some of the scrapes were seeded with Kidney Vetch whereas others left to colonise naturally. As scrapes tend to be damper than their Butterfly banks and scrapes add topographical diversity as well as create new habitat surrounds, established plants will be less susceptible to drought in drier years. Land management results Between February 2009 and February 2012, some management was undertaken on 86% of sites in the landscape (Table 1). Nearly 35 ha scrub was removed on 22 sites (Figure 1). On sites with deep litter layers, scrub management was followed by raking off leaf litter or scraping with a digger. Butterfly banks were created on 14 sites. Two- thirds were created using subsoil and the remaining third with topsoil. As natural colonisation proved to be largely unsuccessful, nearly two- thirds of banks were seeded. Scrapes were dug on just two sites and all were eventually seeded as again no evidence of natural colonisation © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 was detected. Unsuccessful natural Figure 1 Part of the central Southam Lias Grassland landscape, Warwickshire, showing colonisation of desirable plants management undertaken on eight sites in 2009-12 targeted at reversing the decline of the Small Blue. Managing sites along the road verges and disused railways not only tended to occur on nutrient-rich soils produces potential breeding habitat but is also likely to improve connectivity where ruderal species flourished. Kidney Vetch seeding was suitable condition for breeding. created using existing topsoil or undertaken across 25 sites and over Several different designs were underlying subsoil and either left 13,000 plug plants were planted on employed to determine which to colonise naturally, or seeded 14 sites (Figure 1). Numbers planted produced the most cost-effective or planted with Kidney Vetch. The varied from 250 to 3,000 per site. and suitable Small Blue habitat Small Blue typically occurs in small 24 sites were seeded with Common in the shortest time. Banks were populations (<30 individuals at peak Bird’s-foot-trefoil and 1,000 Barren

60 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Sites No. sites in landscape 35 No. sites managed 30

Keith Warmington Scrub management No. sites scrub clearance undertaken 22 Area of scrub cleared (ha) 34.2

Butterfly banks No. sites with butterfly banks created 14 No. butterfly banks created 27 No. butterfly banks created from topsoil 9 No. butterfly banks created from subsoil 18 No. butterfly banks seeded 17

Scrapes No. sites with scrapes dug 2 No. scrapes dug 12 No. scrapes seeded 12 Larval foodplant populations were augmented by seeding or plug planting Green hay with Kidney Vetch on many sites No. sites restored using green hay 1

Kidney Vetch and Wild Strawberry plug plants No. sites seeded 25 were planted on two sites. Over 30 No. sites planted with plug plants 14 ha of potential breeding habitat was No. plug plants planted 13,250 established through a combination of Area seeded or planted (ha) 30.6 seeding and plug planting. Land management costs for Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil this project were around £68k, No. sites seeded 24 comprising £55k scrub control, £3k on earthworks, £2k on seeding and £8k on plug plants. In order to sustain Wild and Barren Strawberry the project benefits landowners were No. sites planted with plug plants 2 encouraged to enter Environmental No. plug plants planted 1,000 Stewardship schemes. To date eight sites have either entered or Environmental Stewardship are pending entry to Entry Level or No. sites entered into ELS and/or HLS 8 Higher Level Stewardship schemes.

Table 1 Management implemented on 30 current, former and potential Small Blue sites Species response on the Southam Lias Grasslands 2009-12 For a site to be considered in suitable condition for the Small Blue the target sites with flowering Kidney Vetches Habitat patches restored on existing was set of at least 50 flowering Kidney doubled between 2009 and 2011 and sites were quickly colonised and by Vetch plants at the peak flight period; the number with over 50 flowering 2011 the Small Blue had colonised anecdotal evidence suggests this is plants increased from six to 10. With five new sites, a 167% increase in the minimum needed to support a the exception of two sites where the number of populations. In some local population. The project set a numbers were estimated at 5,000 cases colonisations of new patches target of restoring 15 sites to suitable per site in each year, we estimate the on occupied sites occurred in the condition and establishing seven number of flowering Kidney Vetches same year as management was viable Small Blue colonies by 2012. increased on the rest by around 75% undertaken, as did two colonisations Between 2008 and 2011 the between 2009 and 2011. of previously unoccupied sites. number of sites with some suitable The Small Blue has quickly The other three site colonisations Small Blue habitat present nearly responded to the habitat occurred between one and four years tripled (Table 2). The number of improvements (Figures 2 and 3). following restoration. Distances to the

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 61 Habitat or species feature 2008 2009 2010 2011

Habitat suitability No. sites with suitable habitat present 6 17 No. flowering Kidney Vetches present 16,090+ 17,926+ 20,645+ No. sites with flowering Kidney Vetches present 7 13 15 No. sites with >50 flowering Kidney Vetches present 6 9 10

Connectivity Mean distance nearest occupied site (km) 3.78 3.24 Median distance nearest occupied site (km) 2.50 2.25

Small Blue No. extant sites 3 3 6 8 No. extinct sites 7 7 6 4 No. potential sites 13 26 No. sites with no potential habitat available 12 1 No. sites with new habitat patches occupied 0 0 2 3 No. habitat patches occupied 6 14 Total area occupied (ha) 3.73 5.51

Table 2 Habitat and species responses to management undertaken on 35 current, former and potential Small Blue sites on the Southam Lias Grasslands 2008-11

Species feature 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dingy Skipper No. extant sites 9 10 12 16 No. extinct sites 5 4 3 1 No. potential sites 15 18 No. sites with no potential habitat available 6 1 No. sites with new habitat patches occupied 0 0 2 2

Grizzled Skipper No. extant sites 16 16 17 17 No. extinct sites 4 4 3 3 No. potential sites 9 17 No. sites with no potential habitat available 6 1 No. sites with new habitat patches occupied 0 0 6 7

Chalk Carpet No. extant sites 2 2 3 4 No. extinct sites 1 1 1 1 No. potential sites 21 26 No. sites with no potential habitat available 11 5 No. sites with new habitat patches occupied 0 0 1 1

Table 3 Changes in status of other early successional Lepidoptera to management undertaken on 35 current, former and potential Small Blue sites on the Southam Lias Grasslands 2008-11

62 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths nearest occupied sites were 0.5 km for the two colonisations occurring in the same year as management, and 0.75, 2.25 and 3 km for the other three colonisations. Three of the five colonisations were of former sites. Overall the number of occupied habitat patches in this landscape more than doubled between 2008 and 2011, and the area occupied increased by 2.3 ha to 5.5 ha. Connectivity within the landscape has improved with a reduction in the mean distance from each of the central 22 sites (see Figure 2) to an occupied site of 30% from 1.9 km to 1.3 km between 2008 and 2011. Corridors in the landscape include two canals, one active railway line, two disused railway lines and the verges along two A a) 2008 status © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 roads and one motorway. Two- thirds of sites managed to date are on or adjacent to one of these corridors. Management therefore not only provides potential breeding habitat but contributes to improved connectivity through habitat creation or enhancement schemes or by for example, removing scrub from embankments. Moreover, creation of flower-rich field margins through Environmental Stewardship schemes on some sites, is also likely to further improve connectivity, if not provide breeding habitat. Circumstantial evidence of the importance of corridors is provided by a Small Blue record on the disused railway, equidistant between an established colony and a recently colonised site, about 3 km apart. © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Management targeted at the b) 2011 status Small Blue has also clearly benefited Figure 2 Changes in status of the Small Blue on the central 22 sites of the Southam Lias several other threatened species Grassland metapopulation, Warwickshire. The 13 outlying sites (12 potential and one (Table 3). The Grizzled Skipper former) to the south and north are omitted for clarity has colonised one new site, but has also colonised new patches moth colonised two new sites, Warwickshire’s scarcest bumblebees cleared of scrub on seven existing increasing the number of colonies in Bombus ruderarius, Bombus sites. The Dingy Skipper has also the West Midlands region from two ruderatus and Bombus humilis (all colonised restored patches on two to four, as well colonising restored currently UK BAP Priority Species) existing sites, and more significantly patches on an existing site. Other have all been observed foraging on colonised seven other sites, including early successional taxa, including patches of Kidney Vetch created four former sites, a 90% increase. The bees, beetles and orchids have also through this project. Chalk Carpet Scotopteryx bipunctaria benefited. For example, three of

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 63 Building local partnerships Talks and training days have been held to recruit volunteers to help with scrub management, raising and planting plug plants, seeding and butterfly and moth monitoring. Between October 2009 and February 2012 for example, volunteers contributed nearly 450 volunteer days of practical management. Volunteer community ‘friends of’ groups have been established at three sites. Several primary schools have taken an active part in the project, not only by undertaking site visits but also growing Kidney Vetch plants which are then planted on site. To bolster the core volunteer team, other volunteer groups have © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 helped with practical tasks, including a) 2008 status Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Sustrans and British Waterways. Two company corporate groups have given practical support and the National Probation Services Community Payback Team has been invaluable. In Bishops Itchington, the local community centre and café has been renamed the Blue Butterfly Café, indicative of the local interest generated by the project. A thriving Small Blue Action Group comprising the partner organisations has also been established to coordinate the project and volunteer efforts. Key lessons

This project has demonstrated that, with adequate resources, it is relatively easy to restore limestone b) 2011 status © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 grassland and brownfield landscapes to provide the early successional Figure 3 Part of the central Southam Lias Grassland landscape, Warwickshire, showing habitat required by the Small Blue. changes in Small Blue patch occupancy between 2008 and 2011 following targeted management during 2009-12. Other potential habitat patches restored following Restoration was also relatively quick, management are also shown in Fig 3b partly the result of seeding and plug planting Kidney Vetch. This is perhaps a more acceptable approach

64 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths in this landscape because most sites were either badly degraded or had only been recently created. Colonisation by the Small Blue from sites up to 3 km distant also occurred Keith Warmington over a much shorter timescale than anticipated, mostly within a year or two of management. No doubt the seeding and plug planting programme contributed to this rapid response. Some management techniques proved more successful than others. Seeding Kidney Vetch, for example, was more successful than plug planting because the latter are more susceptible to drought and disturbance by animals. The effectiveness of innovative management techniques such as butterfly banks and scrapes may take longer to ascertain but much useful knowledge has already been gained. Three new management factsheets, available as downloads from the Butterfly Conservation website, have The Small Blue colonised this site a few years after Kidney Vetch plug planting and been produced based on knowledge seeding. Restoration and creation of linear sites such as roadside embankments not only gained: Creating a Butterfly Bank; provides breeding habitat but improves connectivity Creating a Scrape; Seeding and Plug- planting for Butterflies. To date an additional 2.3 ha of habitat has been occupied by the Sam Ellis Small Blue, yet nearly 30 ha has been seeded or plug planted and over 30 ha scrub removed. Beyond this restoration phase, it is reasonable to assume that many more habitat patches and sites will come into suitable condition and eventually be colonised by the butterfly. The project also demonstrated that management targeted at a single species can have major benefit for other threatened Lepidoptera using the same early successional habitat. In this case the Small Blue has been an effective ‘flagship’ or ‘umbrella’ species for the Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper and the Chalk Carpet moth; there were significant increases in occupancy at both the site and patch level for all these The Blue Butterfly Café in Bishops Itchington species.

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 65 Landscape-scale woodland restoration for multiple species in the South East Woodlands Dan Hoare, Kate Dent, Caroline Kelly, Laura McLellan, Fran Thompson and Steve Wheatley

Butterflies such as the Pearl- bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne

Neil Hulme and Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina, occupying the early succession habitats produced by coppicing and clear-felling, have gone from being widespread species in wooded landscapes to surviving only in a few isolated colonies (population declines of 61% and 28% respectively since the 1970s (Fox et al., 2006)). These losses are the result of large-scale changes in woodland management systems (such as the decline of coppicing), and are indicative of a wider decline in woodland wildlife associated with a loss of structural diversity in woodlands (Thomas and Morris, 1994; Clarke et al., 2011). Reversing these losses will require not only targeted management on and around remaining sites, but also an increase in woodland The Duke of Burgundy has thrived in both the Denge and Tytherley Woods, bucking management activity at a much the national trend (down 46% over 10 years) wider scale, driven by economic factors and public policy. The South Introduction East Woodlands project aimed to Many of our most threatened reinvigorate woodland management woodland butterflies and moths at a landscape-scale, using are associated with open habitats butterflies and moths as indicators such as clearings and rides. We of diverse, well-managed habitats, demonstrate the value of targeted demonstrating how to engage local management in reversing these communities and land managers declines at the landscape-scale in conserving biodiversity through in South East England, one of the sustainable woodland management. UK’s most heavily wooded regions. The project included work on many We suggest that economic forestry different butterfly and moth species alone appears unlikely to produce occupying a variety of habitats, but the highest quality habitat for these the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke species, without the targeting of Burgundy are used as examples in incentives included within woodland this case study. grant and agri-environment schemes.

66 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Project methods Between 2007 and 2011, the project Dan Hoare focused on three landscape-scale Dan Hoare demonstration areas, in Kent, East Sussex and on the Hampshire/ Wiltshire border, covering a total of 83,561 ha (see Figure 1 and Table 1). These project areas all contained significant assemblages of scarce woodland Lepidoptera, but had not previously been the focus of conservation initiatives at a landscape-scale. The landscapes differed in several important factors including the size, type and distribution of woodland, the nature of the intervening non-woodland habitats, and the suite of butterfly Habitat restored by clearance of non-native conifers in the Tytherley Woods in 2008 was and moth species present. This colonised by the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in 2010 provided an opportunity to examine local differences as well as testing best practice woodland management management, we also provided mechanisms that would be effective for a broad suite of wildlife including advice and support on non-woodland at promoting increased management butterflies and moths, 2) to target sites, which formed a key part of the across the whole region. specialised habitat management for landscape habitat network. In each landscape a full-time key species (such as Pearl-bordered project officer worked for three years Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy), We used a range of funding to achieve three overall aims: 1) to building networks of suitable habitat mechanisms to support habitat increase woodland management and strengthening local populations, management: across the landscape by promoting 3) to engage communities in 1) Economic forestry is the most conservation action in their local sustainable method of funding area, providing opportunities for woodland management, through the volunteers to take an active role in sale of timber, firewood, woodchip, enhancing woodland biodiversity. charcoal and other coppice products. Project officers worked with Richard Mearns We encouraged economic forestry partner organisations to plan and where appropriate by helping implement sustainable woodland woodland owners to access markets management appropriate to the for their products, providing links to landscape. We gave free advice and woodland agents and the forestry assistance to woodland managers, sector, running workshops on agents and owners, providing coppice management, harvesting information on the ecological and woodfuel, and producing requirements of butterflies and moths management plans to assist owners present in the area, explaining how to in harvesting their wood sustainably. The rare Argent & Sable moth has incorporate these features alongside responded well to management in the other management aims such as Tytherley Woods landscape, breeding 2) Grant aid from Forestry in coppiced woodland, ride edges and forestry, game management and Commission England (FCE). FCE clearings and recolonising sites where it recreation. Although the main aim of were major partners in the project, has not been seen for many years the project was to promote woodland

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 67 allocating more than £550k across the three project areas through the

Dan Hoare English Woodland Grant Scheme (eWGS) between 2007 and 2013. This included a special Woodland Improvement Grant (BIO80 WIG) targeted at the demonstration landscapes, paying 80% of standard costs compared to the 50% rate available across the region. During the course of the project, these grants were increasingly directed towards improving woodland infrastructure, such as tracks, ditches and loading bays, to facilitate long-term woodland management beyond the fixed term of the project.

3) Grant aid from Natural England, through the Entry Level Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship schemes, was used to support management costs on some non- woodland habitats such as grassland and farmland. This mechanism was particularly effective in the Denge A close encounter with a hawk-moth at a Rother Woods public event Woods landscape in Kent, where colonies of Duke of Burgundy and Black-veined Moth Siona lineata survive on chalk grassland alongside woodland colonies.

4) Funding from the Landfill Communities Fund (SITA Trust, Biffa Award) and from the High Weald AONB Sustainable Development Fund paid for targeted management for butterflies on three sites. A total of £136k was raised from these sources to implement specific management for threatened butterflies in the demonstration landscapes.

5) Direct funding from the landowner. At some sites landowners were able to directly fund woodland management themselves, often because it met multiple aims for them, including improving woodland © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 structure for forestry reasons, game Figure 1 Location of the three South East Woodlands project demonstration landscapes management, recreation and access or conservation benefit.

68 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths 6) More than 40 conservation work parties by volunteers delivered additional habitat improvements

close to existing colonies of the target Steve Wheatley species.

A variety of management techniques were used across the project areas, but the broad aim was to increase the structural diversity of woodland sites, providing a mix of open, sunny clearings connected by wide rides, alongside mature woodland, scrub of varying ages, regenerating woodland and coppice. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy both require open habitats in woodland, where their larval foodplants (Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana and Primrose Primula vulgaris or Cowslip Primula veris, respectively) Although project funding has now ended, Rother Guardians volunteers continue to help grow in sunny, sheltered conditions. landowners with monitoring and habitat management Both species were principally associated with coppice, although promote tall, Cowslip-rich swards with taking place within the last three there are now relatively few sites a high (15-20%) cover of scattered years (based upon signs of any one where active coppice management scrub. of: ride management or creation, has been maintained on a cycle In each landscape we assessed coppicing, thinning, clear-felling or sufficient to support them. Pearl- woodland management activity selective felling). Between 2007 and bordered Fritillary is now strongly and habitat condition for the target 2010, the proportion of monitored associated with Bracken Pteridium species at the start and end of woodland (by area) showing aquilinum in clearings and rides, the project for all holdings where evidence of active management and uses conifer clear-fells in the access was possible. With the help increased by 22% (2470 ha) across all early stages of regeneration, while of volunteers we carried out general three landscapes, and the proportion the Duke of Burgundy tends to be butterfly and moth surveys to inform of monitored sites showing signs found in permanent, scrub-rich future management and provide of active management increased woodland clearings. Management landowners with information on the by 31% (Table 1). At the end of targeting these species included species using their land. We also the project, 73% of all woodland clearing derelict coppice, widening monitored sites for the target species sites showed evidence of some rides, clear-felling non-native in each landscape to examine their management, accounting for 87% of conifer plantations to promote responses to habitat changes. the total woodland area monitored. natural regeneration of broadleaved Ride management was the most woodland, cutting and grazing Land management results frequent form of management, with permanent clearings, managing To monitor management change at coppicing and thinning also common, scrub on open areas and promoting such a large scale we divided each while clear-felling was the least deer management. The Duke of landscape into distinct woodland frequently used. Burgundy is also found on chalk sites, usually reflecting ownership As this analysis took place at grassland sites in the Tytherley and holdings. We classified each site quite a coarse scale (woodland sites), Denge landscapes, and management according to whether there was we collected additional information of these sites included cutting scrub evidence of active management for the Tytherley Woods landscape and modifying grazing regimes to in 2011 to assess management

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 69 Denge Woods Rother Woods Tytherley Woods Total (Kent) (East Sussex) (Hampshire/Wiltshire) Landscape description Part of the Kent Downs Part of the High Weald AONB, A mosaic of woodland, chalk AONB, with mixed conifer with very numerous, mostly grassland, arable and livestock and broadleaf woodland small woodland fragments, on farming. Ancient semi-natural on clay plateaus and chalk sandstone ridges separating woodland includes several grassland on the steeper river valleys. Numerous conifer areas of high forest dominated slopes. Coppice species plantations on ancient woodland by oaks, as well as Hazel include Sweet Chestnut sites, and very extensive Sweet coppice with oak standards and and Hornbeam. Chestnut coppice. extensive conifer plantations on ancient woodland sites.

Priority species Duke of Burgundy, Dingy Pearl-bordered Fritillary (extinct), Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, of Burgundy, Small Pearl- Black-veined Moth, Drab Clay Fan-foot bordered Fritillary, Argent & Looper Sable, Drab Looper

Partner organisations Kent Downs AONB, Forestry High Weald AONB, Forestry Hampshire County Council, Commission England, Natural Commission England, Natural Forestry Commission England, England, Woodland Trust, England, Woodland Trust Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Bentley Kentish Stour Countryside Wood Trust, National Trust Project

Total landscape area 31,253 ha 34,945 ha 17,363 ha 83,561 ha

Area of woodland monitored 3,929 ha 4,441 ha 2,521 ha 10,891 ha

Number of woodland sites monitored 78 108 98 284

Total area managed* 2007 (% of monitored woodland) 2,777 ha (70) 2,633 ha (59) 1,647 ha (65) 7,057 ha (65)

Total area managed 2010 (% of monitored woodland) 3,442 ha (87) 3,742 ha (84) 2,343 ha (93) 9,527 ha (87)

Increase in managed area (% increase in proportion of woodland area managed) 665 ha (17) 1,109 ha (25) 696 ha (28) 2,470 ha (23)

No. of sites coming into management (% increase in proportion of sites managed) 32 (33) 39 (36) 19 (24) 90 (31)

*The total area of all woodland blocks in which some management took place - note that the actual area of open habitat created is less, see text for details. Table 1 The South East Woodlands landscape demonstration areas

70 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths activity in more detail. Examining the nine major ownerships within the landscape, totalling 1,231 ha, the total area of the 207 habitat patches managed was 106 ha. So although at the coarse scale, 93% of woodland sites by area were classified as ‘managed’ in 2010 (i.e. some management was taking place within the site), in fact the area of open habitat created by management was only about 8% of the total woodland area. This emphasises that although the project increased both the amount and the distribution of management, even at the end of the project only a very small proportion of the total woodland area comprised open, early succession habitat – a) Woodland condition 2007 © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 more than 90% of the woodland area was not actively managed during the project. We also examined woodland habitat condition for Lepidoptera at the start and end of the project, classifying woodland blocks according to the presence of key habitat features such as temporary and permanent open space, and ride condition. Across all three landscapes we improved habitat condition at 160 sites (65% of those monitored). The proportion of woodlands (measured by area at the level of woodland sites) in Good or Excellent condition for Lepidoptera increased by 32% during the project (Table 2). By 2010, 62% of the woodland area was in at least Good condition, demonstrating b) Woodland condition 2010 © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 that this approach can improve Figure 2 Habitat condition assessment in the Denge Woods landscape 2007-2010 (see habitat conditions for Lepidoptera Table 2 footnote for definitions of categories) across a very wide area. Figure 2

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 71 Denge Woods Rother Woods Tytherley Woods Total (Kent) (East Sussex) (Hampshire/Wiltshire) Habitat condition* % of woodland area in each condition class (based on woodland sites) 2007 2010 2007 2010 2007 2010 2007 2010 Excellent 0 26 0 11 27 27 6 20 Good 47 47 17 45 0 31 24 42 Intermediate 23 14 48 36 44 34 38 28 Poor 24 8 34 8 6 3 24 7 Very poor 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Unknown 4 4 0 0 23 5 7 3

* Project Officers assigned a Habitat Condition to each woodland site on a 1-5 scale from Very Poor (no suitable open habitats of any kind) to Excellent (Containing all five of the following features: wide interconnecting rides; two- or three-zone ride management; temporary open space; permanent open space; a variety of native broadleaf tree species), or scored sites as Unknown. Table 2 The impact of management on habitat condition in the South East Woodland demonstration areas

Denge Woods Rother Woods Tytherley Woods Wider region Total

No. of People No. of People No. of People No. of People No. of People events events events events events

Introductory events 53 1,960 22 849 16 1,113 91 3,922

Volunteer training 20 315 27 521 34 235 13 340 94 1,411

Land management 8 95 11 333 6 130 14 353 39 911 workshops Site advice visits for land 92 64 72 60 52 25 45 39 261 188 managers National woodland 1 395 1 395 conference Totals 173 2,434 132 1,763 108 1,530 73 1,127 486 6,827

Table 3 Participation in South East Woodlands project events. Note that as some individuals attended multiple events, numbers do not represent the total number of unique participants – we estimate that there were at least 5000 individual participants overall demonstrates how these changes in By 2010, only 8% of the area was in the three landscapes depending habitat condition affect the suitability Poor or Very Poor condition, while on factors such as woodland type of the Denge Woods landscape for 26% of the area was in Excellent and access to local woodland butterflies and moths. At the start of condition. Many of the smaller private markets. Grants from FCE’s English the project in 2007 a few large sites woodlands in the north and central Woodland Grant Scheme were the were in Good condition, including part of the project area had improved primary funding mechanism in the three Forestry Commission sites, but in habitat condition by 2010, with 73% project, supporting management these were isolated from each other of the area in at least Good condition across 4,687 ha (44% of the 10,609 by large numbers of smaller, privately for butterflies and moths. ha included in this analysis). In total, owned sites, many of which were in The mechanisms underlying more than £550k in eWGS grants has Poor condition (26%), holding little changes in woodland management been allocated to the demonstration or no open habitat for butterflies. were complex and differed across landscapes from 2007-2013,

72 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 3 Conservation of Pearl-bordered Fritillary in the Tytherley Woods 2007-2011. In 2007 we prioritised advisory work and conservation management within 2 km of occupied sites, as previous studies suggested the species can readily colonise suitable habitat over this distance. Over the next four years seven woodland sites were colonised following increases in appropriate management, all within the 2 km priority areas. Suitable habitat was also created elsewhere in the landscape but so far remains unoccupied including support for management habitat for Lepidoptera: eWGS was Species response planning, habitat management the primary funding source for 77% Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke and infrastructure development. of all woodland in Excellent condition of Burgundy were monitored on Economic management (using the and 47% of all woodland in Good their known sites and searched for value of timber or other products) condition (by area), compared to in all suitable habitat between 2007 supported management across 1,720 economic management, which and 2011. Although in many cases ha of woodland (16% of the total). It funded 3% of Excellent and 31% woodland management work did not should be noted that the increase in of Good woodland. We conclude get underway for one or two years, woodland management recorded is that while it makes sense to rely both species have already started to at least partly due to improvements on sustainable economic forestry show strong positive responses to in the market for woodland products, where possible to increase woodland improved habitat condition. particularly firewood, at a national management, the evidence from this In the Tytherley Woods level during the course of the project, study is that targeted grants, which landscape, 16 habitat patches were an encouraging sign that sustainable have biodiversity as part of their aims, created for Pearl-bordered Fritillary management can be continued. are far more effective in producing through a SITA Trust grant in 2007- However, eWGS grants were more high quality habitat of the sort needed 08. All of these patches produced effective than economic management for threatened species such as the suitable breeding habitat within in delivering the highest quality Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 73 four years, and 75% of them were count of 173 butterflies across 10 to individual site advice visits for colonised by the butterfly over the sites. This was in part due to the landowners (see Table 3). same period. Other UK BAP Priority discovery of at least two previously These events proved highly species recorded on these patches unrecorded colonies through effective, with more than 6800 people included Duke of Burgundy, Small increased survey work, but also to taking part in a programme of 486 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria improved management of existing events. The events programme was selene, Dingy Skipper Erynnis sites and the colonisation of recently designed to offer a progression tages, Argent & Sable Rheumaptera restored habitat, encompassing chalk of involvement for participants, hastata and Drab Looper Minoa grassland sites in Environmental so that a member of the public murinata. Pearl-bordered Fritillary Stewardship as well as woodland attending a guided walk could recolonised seven former sites in sites. We also assessed seven new subsequently get involved as a the Tytherley landscape during the woodland habitat patches totalling volunteer, receive training and then project, travelling at least 2 km from 8 ha created with funding from Biffa get involved in monitoring and habitat the nearest extant colony to breed in Award in 2010; in 2011, four had management. 17% of volunteers had newly managed clearings and rides. already produced suitable habitat never previously volunteered with The butterfly now occupies more for Duke of Burgundy and two were a conservation organisation, and sites (5 in 2006, 12 in 2011) and is being used for breeding by the 69% were not members of Butterfly stable or increasing in most of these butterfly. In just four years the species Conservation, demonstrating that (Figure 3). In contrast, outside these has been restored to a network the project successfully reached landscape areas, Pearl-bordered of suitable sites within the Denge new audiences as well as supporting Fritillary has been lost from at least landscape, increasing from two existing conservation volunteers. three of the other 10 sites in South occupied 1 km squares to nine. Training ranged from butterfly East England over the same period monitoring and moth identification to (excluding reintroduction sites). Building local partnerships use of chainsaws and brushcutters In the Rother Woods landscape, Involving local communities, from in practical management. Volunteers thorough searches confirmed that the landowners to the wider public, subsequently contributed more than Pearl-bordered Fritillary was extinct, was essential to initiate large scale 1080 days involvement in project and a project was developed to management changes. We focused activities, equivalent to £87k in labour reintroduce the species to a private on showing people the special costs, making an important matched woodland site at which coppice qualities of their local sites and funding contribution to the project management had been reinstated helping them understand the links and allowing us to achieve far more as part of a woodfuel business. between wildlife and woodland than we could through staff activity After careful assessments of habitat management, to enlist their support alone. suitability and management, Pearl- in increasing management activity An important part of the project’s bordered Fritillaries were released in each area. Through a major legacy was to encourage groups of here in 2010 (captive-bred by project programme of public events and committed volunteers to continue volunteers) and their offspring were training we increased the involvement conservation action in each area recorded on the site in 2011. of local people in conserving after project funding ended. These In 2007, the Duke of Burgundy woodland landscapes. Training was volunteer groups of ‘Woodland was in a perilous state in Kent, with structured in four tiers of activity, Guardians’ are still actively involved a peak count of just 11 butterflies from events for the general public in all three landscapes, supported by on two sites in the Denge Woods through training for volunteers and Butterfly Conservation local Branches landscape. By 2010 the population land management professionals and partner organisations. Through had increased to a combined peak a combination of conservation work

74 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths parties, support and advice for land networks of suitable habitat at a This project provides an effective managers, and closely monitoring sufficient scale. If suitable habitat model for influencing land the results of management changes, management is delivered in targeted management at a landscape-scale, volunteers are helping to ensure long- locations (close to existing colonies) delivered by a combination of lasting benefits from the project. this approach can succeed with staff, volunteers and partnership relatively modest changes to the between public bodies, non- Key lessons overall landscape. In this study, governmental organisations and This project has combined broad, population increases and new private landowners, with both habitat landscape-scale increases in colonisations for both Pearl-bordered condition and threatened species woodland management activity with Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy serving as indicators of success. the targeted habitat improvements butterflies were detected when less necessary to reverse the declines than 10% of the woodland area was of some of our rarest butterflies and subject to management. moths, developing mechanisms that 4) Project officer roles can be a very can be applied much more widely in effective way of uniting existing land support of biodiversity (see Hoare et management mechanisms around a al. (2012) for further details). Overall, set of focused objectives to deliver we have demonstrated that: results at a landscape-scale. They 1) There is a significant audience can act as a hub for a wide range of of land managers, woodland activities, helping land managers to management professionals and the access public grants, coordinating general public who are keen to get management across multiple involved in improving woodland sites, supporting volunteers and biodiversity when given information connecting them with land managers and support. to encourage accurate monitoring of management impacts. A key factor 2) Woodland management can in this success is the time to build be increased on a dramatic scale relationships with landowners and through a combination of information, project partners, as well as getting to targeted grant aid and support for know a landscape in depth. economic forestry. But economic forestry alone is unlikely to deliver 5) Working in partnership with the highest quality habitats, at least other organisations can be hugely for Lepidoptera, without specific beneficial, sharing local expertise, targeting and incentives to include avoiding duplicating effort and key habitat features of the kind providing landowners with clear that are included in eWGS BIO80 messages and effective support. WIG grants or in Higher Level 6) Volunteer involvement greatly Stewardship. increases what can be achieved 3) Populations of threatened species with limited resources, if appropriate can respond rapidly to appropriate training and support are provided. management, where it provides

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 75 Delivering land management advice for Marsh Fritillary in Scotland Tom Prescott

Species Action Framework species; the latter being a means of helping to deliver the Scottish Biodiversity Peter Eeles Strategy by prioritising 32 species that were the focus of new, targeted management action for five years from 2007. The thrust of the Species Action Framework programme is through the delivery of sympathetic land management rather than via research, survey or monitoring. The Marsh Fritillary has a very limited distribution in Scotland, predominantly occurring in the western fringes of Argyll and some of the neighbouring islands. However, these colonies represent some of the most important in Europe. The butterfly has become extinct over Adult Marsh Fritillary butterfly a large part of its former range Introduction in England, Wales and Northern The Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas Ireland, whilst even in Scotland it has aurinia is as closely linked with declined in distribution by around extensive pastoral farming systems 12% since the mid-1980s with an in Scotland as it is in other parts of overall UK distribution decline of the UK. The main mechanism for its 46% between 1970-1982 and 1995- conservation across the landscape in 2004 (Fox et al., 2006). Declines in Scotland is through agri-environment abundance have been even steeper schemes. We describe here the at 73% between 1983 and 2004 (Fox benefits of working in partnership et al., 2006). Despite conservation with land managers and their agents efforts, the butterfly still declined in to maximise biodiversity gains distribution by 9% between 1995-99 under the current mechanism. We and 2005-09 (Fox et al., 2011). also highlight the need to establish The Marsh Fritillary requires appropriate monitoring systems and abundant patches of Devil’s-bit amend the assessment criteria to Scabious Succisa pratensis, the sole favour high priority species such as larval foodplant. In order to persist Marsh Fritillary gaining entry into the within a landscape, an extensive scheme. network of well connected habitat The Marsh Fritillary is a species of patches is required (Bulman et al., the highest conservation concern due 2007). to severe declines in its population In Scotland the Marsh Fritillary and range. It is included on the occurs in a wide range of different Scottish Biodiversity List and as one habitats including damp/wet and of Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) species-rich grassland, rush pasture,

76 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths damp moorland and coastal heath. It also occurs in a variety of settings away from the more traditional unimproved grasslands, including Tom Prescott road and trackside verges, woodland and forestry glades/clearings, the margins of hay/silage fields and from upland heaths to coastal grassy swards. Maintenance of suitable habitat is best achieved through light, often seasonal grazing, ideally by cattle or ponies/horses, or even sheep at low densities. The future of the Marsh Fritillary in Scotland, therefore, is inextricably linked to the future of traditional agriculture in a remote corner of the UK. In addition, due to the varied nature of Marsh Fritillary sites in Scotland, their non-uniformity and uniqueness, a standard grazing prescription that fits all sites is not appropriate. This is in stark contrast to the standard management prescriptions that have been applied successfully at sites Typical Scottish Marsh Fritillary landscape with suitable habitat both on the shore and on for other species (e.g. Corn Crake the hill ground adjacent to improved fields and woodland/scrub/bracken slopes Crex crex, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and other breeding waders, site specific. former agri-environment scheme, Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax The vast majority of Scottish under an unsuitable and even pyrrhocorax). Management advice for Marsh Fritillary colonies do not occur detrimental management regime for Marsh Fritillary in Scotland has to be on designated sites (i.e. SSSIs or five or 10 years and little could be nature reserves), but occur in field done to modify this management to corners or damp pockets of hill enhance conditions for the butterfly. ground. Even small areas of habitat, However, in 2008 under the providing they are not too isolated, Species Action Framework project are important as they contribute to a Butterfly Conservation Scotland Tom Prescott sustainable metapopulation. employed a Specialist Advisor to provide site-specific advice Project methods to landowners/managers. This was part of a larger project that Previous contact by Butterfly delivered specialist advice on two Conservation Scotland with owners other Species Action Framework of Marsh Fritillary sites proved listed Lepidoptera: Slender Scotch problematic. In most cases it was Burnet moth Zygaena loti and difficult to find out who owned or Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria managed the land. If contact was euphrosyne, as well as Chequered made few owners/managers had Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon. heard of Marsh Fritillary, or Butterfly The appointment coincided Conservation Scotland, or knew that with the launch of a new agri- the butterfly was present on their environment scheme, Rural Priorities, land. Furthermore this contact often funded under the Scottish Rural aroused suspicion and concerns Development Programme (SRDP). over access. In some cases sites had Rural Priorities is a competitive recently been entered into the Rural Good quality Scottish Marsh Fritillary mechanism to ensure that contracts habitat with areas of abundant Devil’s-bit Stewardship Scheme, Scotland’s Scabious

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 77 Land management results the local economy. In some cases new fencing and other infrastructure By June 2011 Butterfly Conservation required to implement the grazing

Clive McKay Scotland had been involved with regime, was funded under the around 200 Marsh Fritillary sites and scheme; in addition large areas of made over 170 site visits, contributing bracken control was also supported to around 140 Rural Priorities to increase the area of suitable applications. Our input and expertise habitat. News soon spread that was looked upon very favourably by having Marsh Fritillary or suitable/ the case officers who initially assess potential habitat on your farm was the applications and then by the Rural a good hook for getting into the Priorities Assessment Committee scheme. Scottish Agricultural College Light cattle grazing is ideal at maintaining that determines which applications in Argyll estimates that around one- Marsh Fritillary sites in good condition are approved, with over 90% being third of all their SRDP bids have successful and gaining entry into the are awarded for the proposals best included positive management scheme. able to deliver agreed regional specifically targeted at Marsh Fritillary These schemes have been and national priorities. Previous and other key butterflies and moths across the species entire Scottish projects in Argyll had highlighted the and that the project’s involvement range, resulting in over 3,000 ha significance of Argyll’s Marsh Fritillary has significantly raised the quality of being managed specifically for population and it was thus seen as management for Lepidoptera on the Marsh Fritillary (Figure 1). It has also a high regional priority under Rural ground. Scottish Agricultural College resulted in many new sites for Marsh Priorities. also believe most of the active land Fritillary, and other species (e.g. In addition, by teaming up with managers in Argyll have now heard of Forester moth Adscita statices and consultants from Scottish Agricultural Marsh Fritillary. Slender Scotch Burnet moth), being College and Agrimony (an Argyll This success is due to the discovered. Some of these were based agricultural advisory business) partners combined knowledge adjacent to known sites highlighting this allowed the Specialist Advisor of the butterfly’s distribution and the strength of local metapopulations to input into appropriate farm plans. requirements, along with the whilst others were more significant Importantly, this meant that our consultant’s local knowledge of sites being new 10 km squares, input was focused only on suitable/ and their clients, and the willingness emphasising how under-recorded potential Marsh Fritillary habitat, to work together. The value of the the butterfly still is in Scotland and/or rather than having to devise a whole Specialist Advisor approach has been how its range is increasing. Although farm plan or complete the full on- generally acknowledged with the the emphasis is on Marsh Fritillary, line application form. In each case recent appointment of similar posts the butterfly should be seen as a a site-specific grazing plan was for bumblebees and lower plants. drawn up by the Specialist Advisor flagship species as the management in conjunction with the farmer/ will also benefit other Lepidoptera Species response landowner and their agent. This plan including Narrow-bordered Bee Disappointingly there is no took into account the habitat type, Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus but also requirement under Rural Priorities availability and type of stock and other taxa including Lesser Butterfly for sites being managed for Marsh current condition of the site. This Orchid Platanthera bifolia, Common Fritillary to be monitored. However, close collaboration also ensured Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, in autumn 2011, with specific that the resulting plan was practical. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago funding from SNH, 88 sites within A second document outlining the and Eurasian Curlew Numenius 20 metapopulations entered into importance and significance of the arquata. SRDP up to 2010, were monitored site for Marsh Fritillary was also More importantly this has allowed by contractors. The main aim of produced. farmers to claim over £2m thus making the economics of farming this monitoring was to determine the current condition and extent of in these fragile areas more viable with the added knock-on benefits to habitat, as well as determine the

78 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths current population of the butterfly at these sites. This survey will act as a baseline so that any changes in habitat condition and butterfly abundance can be monitored in the future and compared with the prescribed management. This will help further our understanding of Marsh Fritillary habitat requirements in Scotland and provide improved management advice in the future. Key lessons The huge success of this project has Lorne highlighted the importance of the Specialist Advisor’s role in providing Mull site-specific advice and liaising with the land manager, their agent and the assessors of the scheme. This has increased the quality of applications and enhanced the biodiversity benefits. Rural Priorities is a competitive Mid-Argyll & Knapdale scheme that is becoming increasingly difficult to enter as the current assessment procedure does not necessarily favour the best or most suitable Marsh Fritillary sites. Many owners of Marsh Fritillary sites are therefore being discouraged by their agents from applying as they are very unlikely to gain entry into Rural Priorities, but would still have to fund an unsuccessful submission. There is therefore an urgent need to amend the scoring system used to assess applications. Islay Payment rates for the various management options in Rural Priorities are heavily biased towards in-bye land (enclosed fields used mainly for arable and grassland production), with rates for hill ground Figure 1 Distribution of Marsh Fritillary 1980-2010 (yellow dots) in relation to the location being of the order of 100 times of sites being managed for the butterfly under the SRDP (green dots) up to 2010 in four lower. Marsh Fritillary colonies on hill Scottish landscapes ground are therefore rarely entered into the scheme. the project but widen its scope by at selected sites to be provided to 2011/12 is the last year of Species using trained local volunteers to help the landowner/manager, their agent Action Framework and consequently survey and monitor sites. This will and Butterfly Conservation Scotland, this project in its current format. allow regular feedback on the current as well as identifying new sites for Butterfly Conservation Scotland are status of the butterfly and its habitat delivery of advice. currently seeking funding to continue

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 79 Targeting restoration management to stabilise Duke of Burgundy metapopulations on the North York Moors Sam Ellis and Dave Wainwright

distribution (52% between 1970-82 and 1995-2004) and abundance

Sam Ellis (58% 1995-2004) in Britain in recent years (Fox et al., 2006). This decline is ongoing, with distribution losses of 30% and population declines of 46% between 1995-99 and 2005-09 (Fox, et al., 2011). The butterfly is mainly restricted to the limestone and chalk of southern England but more isolated colonies occur on the Morecambe Bay Limestones and North York Moors of northern England. The butterfly utilises two principal habitats, 1) chalk or limestone grassland with either extensive areas of scrub or topographical shelter and 2) clearings on ancient woodland sites, either regenerating coppice, young plantations, sizeable glades Duke of Burgundy Introduction or wide rides. Breeding occurs in tussocky vegetation when one In landscapes where intervention is or both of the two main larval delayed, sites become progressively foodplants, Cowslip Primula veris more unsuitable through lack of or Primrose Primula vulgaris are appropriate management and abundant. Larger-leaved plants, butterfly populations continue to unlikely to drought during the larval decline to the point of extinction. As a feeding period are preferred (e.g. consequence the costs of restoration Turner et al., 2009). rise because: 1) more sites and/or In the North York Moors the Duke a greater area of habitat will require of Burgundy is restricted to valleys restoration; 2) more degraded along its southern edge and occurs habitat is often expensive to restore; in two discrete habitat networks 3) strategic re/introductions might 24 km apart. In the early 1990s, be required to restore functioning 17 colonies were known from the metapopulations. We demonstrate valleys to the north-west of Helmsley here the cost benefits of early and five colonies to the north-east intervention to restore a landscape by of Pickering (Ellis and Parks, 2003). comparing the contrasting fortunes All the Helmsley sites comprised of the Duke of Burgundy Hamearis limestone grassland habitat and all lucina in two North York Moors but two were ungrazed. Three of networks. the Pickering sites also supported The Duke of Burgundy has limestone grassland, two of which undergone major declines in both were ungrazed. One Pickering colony

80 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths occurred on deciduous woodland rides and another was located on rail verge ballast.

Nearly all sites appeared Giles Manners susceptible to succession to dense scrub and woodland. Consequently limited efforts to reverse population declines on sites were undertaken by volunteers through small-scale scrub management. However, two extinctions occurred in the Helmsley network in the mid-1990s. The metapopulation structure of the Helmsley colonies was studied in 2000 and suggested that occupied sites supported the largest breeding areas in close proximity to other occupied sites whereas unoccupied sites tended to be small and isolated (McAndrew, 2000). The study of bare ground for germinating concluded that this was a non- foodplants. In woodlands the aim equilibrium metapopulation and is to ensure a continuous supply of predicted further extinctions. By clearings with abundant Primula spp.

2002 only nine Helmsley and four Dave Wainwright in open, sunny conditions. Pickering sites were occupied, with From 2003 both occupied and respectively eight and one extinctions unoccupied sites in the Helmsley since 1993. Given that the remaining network were targeted to restore populations represented nearly 10% suitable breeding habitat. On some of the UK resource, a landscape- sites small-scale scrub management scale conservation programme was was undertaken by removing small instigated in 2003 with the target of groups of shrubs and trees, but preventing further extinctions and Contractors clear scrub at a North York on most sites larger areas of scrub Moors site stabilising the metapopulation. were removed to either create glades within woodland developing decade earlier before extinctions Project methods over grassland or to restore more occurred. However, nature On calcareous grasslands, the extensive areas of grassland. conservation often depends on management aim is to maintain a Wherever larger-scale management the right opportunities arising. mosaic of open, sunny grassland was implemented, scrub margins The Helmsley network was not with abundant Primula spp. in were retained but pushed back from specifically targeted in preference medium height swards (5-20 cm), the original line, invariably creating to Pickering, but reflected more with scrub edges or patches. Taller bare ground to be recolonised by established relationships with vegetation is utilised for breeding and Primula spp. landowners to enable access for shorter vegetation ensures continuity Ideally intervention in both management and the availability of foodplant supply by provision networks would have begun a of funding to support the work

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 81 undertaken by contractors (CAN management (Table 1, Figure 2). population occupying <1.5 ha habitat DO project funding, a partnership Scrub control was undertaken on (Figure 3b). As a consequence between Natural England, the North one and woodland ride-widening sites have become progressively York Moors National Park Authority on another although not specifically more isolated, with the remaining and English Heritage, was only for the butterfly. Unfavourable colony now >28 km from its nearest available in the Helmsley network). management for the Duke of occupied site in the Helmsley Burgundy was implemented on two network, compared to a mean of Land management results sites. One site was heavily sheep ~0.4 km in 1993 and 2002 (Figure In total, scrub management was grazed to maintain suitable habitat 3c). implemented over a six-year period condition for the flora; the other Conversely the decline in the on 15 of 18 Helmsley sites (Table site, located on a railway verge, was Helmsley network appears to have 1, Figure 1). Mowing of a very rank sprayed with herbicide to control stabilised (Figures 1, 3a and 3b). sward was also undertaken on one track-side vegetation. Only a single extinction has occurred site where grazing was impractical since management commenced and and bruising of dense Bracken Species response this on the smallest (0.12 ha) and Pteridium aquilinum followed by Monitoring of Duke of Burgundy most isolated site (4 km from nearest Cowslip planting on another. populations has been undertaken occupied site). Another occupied Connectivity between two sites annually since 1993, but not all site was discovered in 2008 and was also improved by creating sites were visited each year. Adult is presumed to be a colonisation a ride through dense scrub. No numbers have always been low on from a site only 0.15 km distant and management was undertaken on most sites and therefore thorough a colonisation occurred in 2008 two Helmsley sites which supported searches of the entire breeding areas following a 1997 extinction, probably only very small areas of habitat were undertaken, recording the total from a site 0.56 km distant. Due and where little potential to restore number of adults present. Where to the extinction of small outlying was identified. An occupied site several visits were made in the same populations, the occupied Helmsley which may be a recent colonisation year the highest recorded count for sites are now concentrated in a was only discovered in 2008 and that season was utilised. core area with a mean distance to management requirements have yet The Pickering network has other occupied sites of 0.46 km to be determined. continued to decline with three further in comparison to 1.14 km in 2002 In contrast only two Pickering extinctions since 2003 (Figures 2 and (Figure 3c). However unoccupied sites were targeted by positive 3a) and is now reduced to a single sites are now more isolated with a mean distance to an occupied site

Helmsley network Pickering network

No. sites in landscape 18 5 No. sites managed 15 2 No. sites managed by scrub control 15 2 No. sites managed by Bracken bruising 1 0 No. sites managed by mowing 1 0 No. sites managed by Primula planting 1 0 No. sites managed by ride-widening 1 1 No. of work parties held by volunteers 16 2 No. days worked by contractors >116 0 Habitat area managed by contractors (ha) >6 0 Project funding secured for management £20,680 £0

Table 1 Management implemented on Duke of Burgundy sites in two North York Moors networks 2003-08

82 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Helmsley network Pickering network 20 Total no. of extinctions 16 Total no. of occupied sites 12

8 Number of sites 4

0 1993 2002 2009 1993 2002 2009

a) Site occupancy

20 Helmsley network Pickering 15 network © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 1 Location and 2009 status of 18 Duke of Burgundy sites in the Hemsley network on the North York Moors in relation to management undertaken 2003-08 10

5 Total breeding area (ha)

0 1993 1993 1993

b) Total breeding area

Extant sites Extinct sites 2.5 Helmsley network

2 Pickering network 1.5

1

0.5 © Crown Copyright and database rights [2012]. Ordnance Survey 100022021 Figure 2 Location and 2009 status of 5 Duke of Burgundy sites in the Pickering network on the North York Moors in relation to management undertaken 2003-08. Potential 0 breeding habitat awaiting restoration and three potential reintroduction sites are also Mean distance nearest occupied site (km) 1993 2002 2009 1993 2002 2009 shown c) Isolation from occupied sites

Figure 3 Impact of habitat restoration on Duke of Burgundy sites in two North York Moors landscapes

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 83 of 1.29 km compared to 0.68 km in 2002, but still less than that recorded for the Pickering network.

Giles Manners Count data from 1999, when a greater proportion of sites were monitored, show that the population in the Helmsley network has increased by 395% (P<0.05) (Figure 4). Conversely the population index for the Pickering network declined by 78% (P<0.01) and there was no significant trend across the whole UK during the same period. Building local partnerships This project could not have succeeded without the support of the partners comprising the North York Moors Butterfly and Moth Action Group, established in 2001. The support of the North York Moors National Park Authority and Natural England was critical in securing funding to implement the Sam Ellis management programme. The North York Moors National Park voluntary rangers were actively involved in managing some of the sites, with the remainder undertaken by contractors. Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch volunteers have assisted with monitoring for many years and helped establish good working relationships with the landowners. Key lessons This project demonstrates that with limited resources, careful targeting of habitat restoration at the landscape- scale can stabilise a non-equilibrium metapopulation. In contrast to the Pickering network, the pattern of Scrub management creates more open grassland with bare ground encouraging extinctions and colonisations (with germination of Cowslips and Primroses. Suitable breeding habitat is restored in taller two further colonisations recorded vegetation, amongst light scrub or where there is topographical shelter in 2012) does suggest that the

84 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Helmsley landscape now supports more unsuitable through lack of a dynamic, but inherently stable, appropriate management and the metapopulation. Furthermore, butterfly has declined to the point of responses have been variable extinction. Strategic re/introductions between sites and unpredictable will almost certainly be required to Dave Wainwright with the greatest increases on sites fully restore the Pickering network that appeared least promising. At (Figure 2), adding further to the cost. one site for example, only one adult Whilst some habitat improvements was recorded in 2002 preceding can be maintained for some time by management in 2003 and none were the slow rate of succession on steep seen in 2003-05. However counts of grassland slopes, in the longer-term between 10 and 24 adults were made consideration will need to be given to in 2006-11 as habitat quality reached establishing maintenance regimes. an optimum following restoration One of the largest sites in the management. Providing they are Helmsley network has been fenced not isolated, careful targeting of all with the aim of introducing stock potential sites within a network is grazing. However grazing to maintain important, regardless of whether they Duke of Burgundy habitat at a later are currently occupied. successional stage than the shorter, We believe the contrasting open swards established under many fortunes of the two networks do conservation grazing regimes is a demonstrate the cost benefits of early potential conflict that remains to be Primroses regenerating following scrub intervention. The work undertaken resolved. clearance on a North York Moors site in the Helmsley network is the first phase in the restoration of this 3.5 landscape. We have identified a 3 further 10 sites in the Helmsley network and eight in the Pickering 2.5 network (Figure 2), including several woodlands, as well as further patches 2 on existing sites which could with 1.5 appropriate management, support Helmsley the butterfly. We estimate direct 1 Pickering management costs of this second Log population index 0.5 phase to be in the region of £110k in UK comparison to about £21k for the first 0 phase. A significant proportion of that 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 funding will need to be directed at the Figure 4 Impact of habitat restoration on Duke of Burgundy population trends in two smaller Pickering network as these North York Moors landscapes. Data analysed by TRIM; UK national trend included for sites have become progressively comparison

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 85 Discussion: lessons from landscape-scale conservation

The 12 case studies described in this publication highlight a number of lessons which can inform current and future landscape-scale projects targeted at conserving threatened Lepidoptera in fragmented habitats. Many of these lessons apply equally to landscape-scale projects targeted at other species groups, as well as to more habitat focused schemes. These lessons fall broadly into five categories:

Approaches to land (e.g. variation in turf height within valley system. However, as long as grasslands, or coppicing and ride there is sufficient well-grazed habitat management at the management within otherwise mature across the system as a whole, the landscape-scale woodland). Targeting of management metapopulation can be maintained is therefore required to provide in spite of some habitat being over or 1. Our case studies provide this range of specialist habitats. In undergrazed. Thus by working on a evidence that species conservation practice networks of sites that are in number of sites with different owners can be very effective at a close enough proximity are managed and circumstances it is possible to landscape-scale. to enable natural colonisation of ‘fail’ on some sites or patches without An understanding of the importance unoccupied patches (e.g. Wyre compromising the overall success of area, isolation and habitat quality Forest Pearl-bordered Fritillary, of a project to restore a functioning is fundamental to the delivery of pages 30-35; Blean Woods Heath metapopulation. In other words, landscape-scale conservation Fritillary, pages 42-47, case studies). dynamic changes in habitat quality for threatened species. Our case Improvements in connectivity are can occur whilst still maintaining the studies show that the critical achieved along linear features (e.g. target species in the landscape. success factor is the improvement woodland rides) or by removing of habitat quality across a network barriers to dispersal (e.g. plantation forestry) but also where there is some of sites, which both raises the 3. Several of our case studies prospect of restoring breeding habitat carrying capacity of occupied habitat demonstrate that the extinction of along the feature as well. patches and restores the potential of species on small, isolated sites For species with the most unoccupied patches. Without these within a landscape need not be demanding ecological requirements, improvements, it is unlikely that we inevitable if they are properly careful targeting of management could have achieved the increase managed. is required even within sites. In in numbers of occupied sites, the Local extinctions and colonisations the Morecambe Bay Limestones overall breeding area occupied and occur naturally within High Brown Fritillary case study improvements in connectivity. metapopulations, but the County (pages 16-23) for example, even Durham Small Pearl-bordered 2. Careful targeting is essential to with careful targeting of clearings Fritillary (pages 48-51), South Wales maximise the success of a project the required habitat conditions were High Brown Fritillary (pages 52-57), across a landscape. only met within a subset of habitat Warwickshire Small Blue (pages Uniform land management is rarely patches or within a small proportion 58-65) and Kent Duke of Burgundy applied across entire landscapes, nor of a given patch. In the Dartmoor (part of South East Woodlands, is it a desirable approach, as a range Marsh Fritillary case study (pages pages 66-75) case studies all of management options provides 10-15) it has proven very difficult to show that apparently catastrophic the specialist niches that threatened achieve appropriate grazing levels regional declines can be reversed. butterflies and moths require simultaneously on all sites within the

86 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths The first step in this process is to viable. However careful targeting and that improved habitat quality secure the surviving small, isolated would be needed to maximise the and connectivity is delivered across populations. Once this is achieved conservation benefits (e.g. South the landscape. They achieve this the landscape can be assessed and East Woodlands, pages 66-75). In by building up essential long-term the metapopulation can be more fully the Dartmoor (pages 10-15), Dorset relationships with landowners, restored by improving the quality and (pages 24-29) and Scottish Marsh contractors, volunteers, partner connectivity of unoccupied habitat Fritillary case studies (pages 76-79), organisations and the local patches. the projects play an important role community. Importantly, they can in supporting traditional agricultural provide the ecological expertise 4. The principles of landscape- management systems. Usually necessary to improve conditions scale conservation can be applied the funding available from agri- for habitat specialist species which successfully at a relatively small environment schemes has made may not be available to other land spatial scale and are relevant even farm businesses more viable in management advisors with a wider at the site level. financially fragile areas. remit. By providing training for Within the Blean Woods (pages volunteers and local partners, and 30-35) targeting of management Managing landscape-scale improving the knowledge base within to improve habitat quality and conservation projects the community, they greatly increase connectivity for the Heath Fritillary the likelihood of sustaining project is an approach that is as relevant outcomes beyond the life of the to individual woods as it is to 6. Skilled project officers are original project. Unfortunately, our woodland complexes. Similarly, in essential. experience is that funding project the South East Woodlands (pages Project officers are an essential officers to facilitate the uptake of 66-75), within-site targeting of component of effective landscape- schemes is currently far more difficult management work resulted in high scale conservation. They ensure that than funding direct management. patch colonisation rates for both management is carefully targeted Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy. While our smaller-scale projects (e.g. County Durham Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, pages 48- 51) have successfully halted and Helen Bibby reversed several decades of decline, a second phase project aimed at expanding and restoring the greater landscape is necessary to secure the future of these species and habitats for a longer time period.

5. Larger-scale projects provide the opportunity to support and restore a traditional low intensity or an innovative management system that might otherwise not be commercially viable. In woodlands the emergence of woodfuel for example, offers opportunities to make the management of small woods in Expert project officers working closely with the local farming community are an essential different ownerships economically partnership for success

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 87 7. Land managers have been conservation, for example where a 11. Good quality spatial data is very receptive to landscape-scale work party is needed for small-scale essential for project design and projects. sensitive management, a regular delivery. This is especially true when feature of many case studies. Where For well targeted and designed landowners realise how much help recruitment has been especially landscape-scale conservation a project officer can offer in terms successful, management by projects it is vital to have good data of land management advice and volunteer work parties matches that on the distribution and abundance of support. For example in the South achieved through contractors (e.g. the target species and the habitats East Woodlands (pages 66-75) more Warwickshire Small Blue, pages 58- they utilise. The acquisition of such than 900 land managers took part in 65). Volunteers also provide ongoing good spatial data often requires our programme of free workshops. monitoring and support which gives considerable preliminary work unless However, it can take time to develop the project some sustainability there are active recording schemes to relationships with land managers who when project officer funding ceases. build on, as is the case with butterflies can be cautious when dealing with Offering a progression of training (Fox et al., 2011) and moths (Hill nature conservation organisations. In (e.g. South East Woodlands, pages et al., 2010). the North York Moors case study for 66-75) allows individuals who may example (pages 80-85), the Helmsley have little previous experience of 12. The establishment of suitable sites are located on shooting conservation to take an active role monitoring systems is essential estates and it took many years to in shaping the future of their local to assess the effectiveness of the persuade estate managers that scrub environment. project. management for Duke of Burgundy Monitoring should include collecting was compatible with management for Research and monitoring baseline data before management game birds. begins as well as through the life landscape-scale of the project. Unfortunately, the 8. Experienced and well supported conservation short timescales of most funded contractors are essential. projects make this difficult to do Since both traditional and innovative 10. The development and adequately. In the case of butterflies, habitat management techniques implementation of landscape-scale the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme may be utilised in landscape- projects must be underpinned by is incredibly valuable in providing scale projects, experienced and sound ecological research. regional and national trends to sympathetic contractors with a good Basic autecological knowledge, compare with landscape trends knowledge of land management which identifies the species’ (Botham et al., 2011). The simplest for nature conservation are crucial. habitat requirements, is invaluable monitoring measures are changes in Errors by contractors can undermine in identifying management occupancy at either the site and/or relationships with landowners built prescriptions. In the County Durham the patch level, but for projects with up over many years. It is therefore Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary case longer timescales (more than three important that project officers meet study (pages 48-51) for example, years), changes in abundance in the contractors or landowners on site the habitat requirements of the landscape or on individual sites can when work is underway, to ensure target species were deduced largely be compared to regional or national that it is carried out appropriately. from a single season’s study of two trends of the target species. Similarly sites (Ellis et al., 2011). Similarly an changes in abundance at the patch 9. Local volunteers can play a understanding of a species’ mobility level can also be usefully compared significant role in landscape-scale enables connectivity improvements with site level trends. In several case conservation. to be factored into management studies which can be regarded as Recruitment and training of of unoccupied sites isolated from first phase projects (e.g. Wyre Forest volunteers is an important existing populations, (e.g. Blean Pearl-bordered Fritillary, pages 30-35; component of landscape-scale Woods Heath Fritillary case study, North York Moors Duke of Burgundy, projects. Volunteers have a vital pages 42-47). pages 80-85) demonstrating a role in survey and monitoring. They response from the target species was contribute on a scale that could not critical to the successful development be achieved by project staff alone. of larger-scale second phase They can also undertake practical projects.

88 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths 13. Habitat condition assessments Funding landscape-scale of the project. For example the advice should also be undertaken to provided by Butterfly Conservation, at analyse changes to habitat quality. conservation a fraction of the overall projects costs

Assessment of habitat condition is the in the Blean Woods (pages 42-47) 16. All our landscape-scale most direct measure of the response enables coppicing and ride conservation projects could only of the habitat to management. management to be carefully targeted be delivered with adequate Habitat monitoring is not susceptible to benefit the Heath Fritillary. medium to long-term funding. to the vagaries of the British weather Most of our landscape-scale 17. Well designed agri-environment which can make assessing the conservation projects have taken and woodland grant schemes impact on target butterfly and moth several years to develop and then to are a key delivery mechanism for species during a short-term project deliver, and there are often ongoing landscape-scale conservation. unreliable. Habitat assessment is also commitments once restoration has Agri-environment and woodland particularly useful where the target occurred. They cannot be effectively grant schemes were an essential species may not respond during a delivered within short timescales. tool to enable successful landscape- three-year funded project. As well as the costs of land scale delivery in the South East Woodlands (page 66-75), Dartmoor 14. Butterflies and moths management, funding is required to (pages 10-15), Dorset (pages 24- respond rapidly to changes pay for staff to provide advice, target 29) and Scottish Marsh Fritillary in habitat quality. project delivery, manage the finances, (pages 76-79) projects. Schemes All our case studies, for example recruit and train volunteers and report are not in themselves landscape- Breckland Moths (pages 36-41) back to funders. For some case scale conservation initiatives. It is and Warwickshire Small Blue studies we provide data on land the specific elements of targeting, (pages 58-65), demonstrate how management costs, but the true improving habitat quality and quickly Lepidoptera populations project costs are much greater, often reducing isolation that adds can respond, often in the same or double, when staffing and other costs the spatial element to deliver subsequent year of management. are included. The total cost of a three- conservation across a landscape. Lepidoptera can thus be a useful year direct funded landscape-scale Where habitat restoration is focus when it comes to monitoring project is typically in excess of £100k. undertaken through a funded project landscape-scale projects with short Unfortunately there are insufficient then these schemes provide an timescales. sources of funding over long enough timescales currently available on this opportunity to maintain the project 15. Landscape-scale projects scale in the UK. In some instances gains, and therefore potentially a very focused on a single butterfly can Butterfly Conservation costs are only effective exit strategy. Furthermore benefit a suite of other species a small proportion of the overall value evidence from both the Morecambe which have broadly similar habitat requirements. For example management of limestone grassland and Rob Wolton brownfields targeted at the Small Blue in Warwickshire (pages 58- 65), clearly benefited three other threatened Lepidoptera, as well as other invertebrates. In this case the Small Blue proved to be an extremely effective ‘umbrella’ or ‘flagship’ species for the fauna of early successional habitats. On Dorset Marsh Fritillary sites (pages 24-29) there is evidence that management for the butterfly has benefited other invertebrates using Devil’s-bit Scabious, such as the An essential tool for several of our case studies has been the availability of a well Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth designed, targeted agri-environment or woodland grant scheme that encourages and and the Jewel Beetle. rewards farmers and landowners for good management practice. For landscapes with significant areas of high nature value farmland, this is critical

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 89 Bay Limestones High Brown the size and complexity of such the context of the overall landscape. Fritillary (pages 16-23) and South projects which would be beyond Nevertheless engagement with the East Woodlands (pages 66-75) the means of most conservation local community can be critical case studies suggest that habitat organisations to deliver alone. Even in allaying any fears. Once they quality produced by woodland grant in the relatively small landscapes have had projects explained, we schemes is as good as that from of some case studies, partnership have found the local community an direct funded projects, because of working was essential and these invaluable source of new volunteers, the support provided by the project projects would not have progressed many of whom are new to recording officer. Furthermore, results from as far without the invaluable input and conserving butterflies and moths. the South East Woodlands project of others. For advisory projects, a suggest that commercial forestry close working relationship with the The future of landscape- alone is unlikely to produce the government agencies administering scale conservation quality of habitat required by our agri-environment or woodland threatened species, underlining the grant schemes is essential. Where These case studies demonstrate value of targeted grants which have landscape-scale projects are led that large, and not so large, well- conserving biodiversity as an explicit by other organisations, Butterfly funded landscape-scale conservation aim. Conservation can provide huge projects, led by experienced project added value with specialist input officers, are the most successful in 18. The maintenance of existing ensuring management is targeted conserving our threatened species high quality habitat is more cost appropriately for Lepidoptera (e.g. and the ecosystem services they effective in the long run than Blean Woods Heath Fritillary, pages provide. Increases in populations of restoration management. 42-47). These partnerships have often highly threatened species provide This was clearly demonstrated in the taken years to develop and evolve an excellent indicator that broad, North York Moors Duke of Burgundy and are much easier to develop landscape-scale initiatives to restore case study (pages 80-85), where per through a shared vision and action habitats have been successful. For capita costs were much greater in on the ground. They then have the most rare and declining butterflies the network where habitat quality had potential to be more inclusive as the and moths, Butterfly Conservation deteriorated further because much partnership grows to involve other will continue to focus resources on more restoration management was interested bodies. In our experience landscapes where there is a good required. broad partnerships for partnerships chance of restoring networks of sake rarely have the vision to develop occupied and unoccupied habitat Working in partnership at the action on the ground. as well as improving connectivity landscape-scale between breeding patches. This strategy gives the best chance of 20. Publicising landscape-scale populations surviving in the long-term 19. Landscape-scale conservation projects is important for both and will build up the most resilience always involves partnership partner organisations and funders, in the ecosystems in which they working. but also for local communities. live. The work will inevitably support Butterfly Conservation staff Some projects may appear to the conservation of a wide range developed and led all these case propose or implement significant of other wildlife living in the same studies, but none would be delivered changes to the landscape. Evidence landscapes. It will also continue effectively without the development from the Morecambe Bay Limestones to raise awareness amongst local of partnerships with a range of High Brown Fritillary project (pages communities and act as models for organisations and individuals. 16-23) and the Blean Woods Heath wider landscape-scale initiatives This is partly because targeted Fritillary project (pages 42-47) envisaged in recent government management for Lepidoptera often suggests that only around 1-2% of the biodiversity strategies. takes place on land owned by land area within the sites is directly others, but often simply reflects affected per year and much less in

90 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Dave Green Caroline Bulman Steve Batt

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths is essential, both intrinsically and for a range of ecosystem services such as pollination or as food for other species. Here these services are illustrated by a Humming-bird Hawk-moth, an insect predator (a shield bug) feeding on a Marsh Fritillary larva and a Northern Wheatear with an Emperor Moth

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 91 References

Anthes N, Fartmann T, Hermann G, Berney F (2002) The status, mobility Ellis S (2001) Population ecology Kaule G (2003) Combining larval and habitat requirements of the and conservation management of the habitat quality and metapopulation Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria structure – the key for successful selene in County Durham. MSc selene in County Durham. Contract management of pre-alpine thesis, University of Sunderland report to English Nature Euphydryas aurinia colonies. Journal of Insect Conservation 7: 175-185 Brereton T, Brook S, Hobson R Ellis S, Parks R (2003) The (2005) Habitat condition monitoring conservation of the Duke of Burgundy Asher J, Warren M S, Fox R, Harding for butterflies: 2004 pilot study. Hamearis lucina on the North York P, Jeffcoate G, Jeffcoate S (2001) Butterfly Conservation, Wareham, Moors. Butterfly Conservation Report The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Dorset S03-10, Wareham, Dorset Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, Oxford Bulman C R (2001). The conservation Ellis S, Wainwright, D (2008) and ecology of the Marsh Fritillary Conservation of the High Brown Barnett L K, Warren M S (1995) butterfly Euphydryas aurinia. PhD Fritillary Argynnis adippe and Pearl- Species Action Plan Marsh Fritillary thesis, University of Leeds bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne Eurodryas aurinia. Butterfly butterflies in North West England. Conservation, Wareham, Dorset Bulman C R, Wilson R J, Holt A R, Butterfly Conservation Report S08-27, Bravo L G, Early R I, Warren M S, Wareham, Dorset Betzholtz P-E, Ehrig A, Lindeborg M, Thomas C D (2007). Minimum viable Dinnetz P (2007) Food plant density, metapopulation size, extinction debt Ellis S, Wainwright D, Berney patch isolation and vegetation height and the conservation of a declining F, Bulman C, Bourn N (2011) determine occurrence in a Swedish species. Ecological Applications 17: Landscape-scale conservation in metapopulation of the Marsh Fritillary 1460-1473 practice: lessons from northern Euphydryas aurinia (Rottemburg, England, UK. In: Dover J, Warren 1775) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). Bulman C R, Bourn N A D, Warren M M, Shreeve T (eds) Lepidoptera Journal of Insect Conservation 11: S (eds.) (2008) Conservation Review, Conservation in a Changing World, pp 343-350 2000-2008. Butterfly Conservation, 303-315, Springer Wareham, Dorset Botham M S, Brereton T M, Fox R, Asher J, Brereton T, Roy Middlebrook I, Randle Z, Roy D B Clarke S A, Warren M S (1997) D, Warren M (2006) The State of (2011) United Kingdom Butterfly High Brown Fritillary breeding Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Monitoring Scheme report for 2010. habitat survey 1996: Dartmoor and Pisces Publications, Berkshire CEH Wallingford Exmoor (preliminary report). Butterfly Conservation, Wareham, Dorset Fox R, Brereton T M, Roy D B, Asher Bourn N A D, Bulman C R (2005) J, Warren M S (2011) The State of Landscape scale conservation, theory Clarke S A, Green D G, Bourn N the UK’s Butterflies 2011. Butterfly into practice. In: Kuhn E, Feldmann R, A, Hoare D J (2011) Woodland Conservation and the Centre for Thomas J A, Settele J (eds) Studies Management for Butterflies and Ecology & Hydrology, Wareham, on the Ecology and Conservation Moths: a Best Practice Guide. Dorset of Butterflies in Europe. Vol 1: Butterfly Conservation, Wareham, General Concepts and Case Studies, Dorset Hanski I (1998) Metapopulation pp111-112, Butterfly Conservation, dynamics. Nature 396: 41-49 Ellis S (2000) The Small Pearl- Wareham, Dorset bordered Fritillary Boloria selene Hanski I (1999) Metapopulation in County Durham. Contract report Ecology. Oxford University Press to English Nature, Durham County Council and Northumbrian Water

92 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths Hedges G M (2011) The credentials Sutherland W J, Tew T E, Varley J, Thomas J A, Simcox D J (1982) of Euphydryas aurinia as an umbrella Wynne G R (2010) Making Space for A quick method for estimating species of Succisa pratensis Nature: a review of England’s wildlife larval populations of Melitaea feeding arthropods on chalk sites and ecological network. Report cinxia L. during surveys. Biological grassland. Unpublished MSc thesis, to Defra Conservation 22: 315-322 Bournemouth University McAndrew D (2002) Habitat Thomas J A (1983) A quick Hill L, Randle Z, Fox R, Parsons M fragmentation and survival of the method of estimating butterfly (2010) Provisional Atlas of the UK’s Duke of Burgundy butterfly around numbers during surveys. Biological Larger Moths. Butterfly Conservation, Helmsley in North Yorkshire. MSc Conservation 27: 195-211 Wareham, Dorset thesis, University of Leeds Thomas J A, Morris M G (1994) Hoare D J, Bourn N A D, Dent K, Ellis Oates M (2003) The ecology and Patterns, mechanisms and rates of S, Kelly C, McLellan L, Thompson dynamics of the Pearl-bordered extinction among invertebrates in F, Wheatley S (2012) The South Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne in a the United Kingdom. Philosophical East Woodlands Project: rebuilding Gloucestershire woodland. Butterfly Transactions of the Royal Society, biodiversity through woodland Conservation Report S03-12, London B. 344: 47-54 management. Butterfly Conservation Wareham, Dorset Report S12-04, Wareham, Dorset Thomas J, Webb N (1984) Butterflies Pullin A S, Knight, T M (2001) of Dorset. Dorset Natural History & Hobson R, Bourn N A D, Warren M Effectiveness in conservation Archaeological Society, Dorchester S, Brereton T M (2001) The Marsh practice: pointers from medicine and Fritillary in England: A review of public health. Conservation Biology Thomas J A, Bourn N A D, Clarke R status and habitat condition. Butterfly 15: 50-54 T, Stewart K E, Simcox D J, Pearman Conservation Report S01-31, G S, Curtis R, Goodger B (2001) Wareham, Dorset Pollard E (1977) A method for The quality and isolation of habitat assessing change in the abundance patches both determine where Hobson R, Smith R G (2010) Riding of butterflies. Biological Conservation butterflies persist in fragmented High – saving the High Brown 12: 115-134 landscapes. Proceedings of the Royal Fritillary. Natur Cymru 37: 15-19 Society, London B. 268: 1791-1796 Smith R G (2007) A feasibility Hodgson J A, Moilanen A, Bourn study of options for restoration and Turner E C, Granroth H M V, Johnson N A D, Bulman C R & Thomas C management of sites for the High H R, Lucas C B H, Thompson A D (2009) Managing successional Brown Fritillary in South Wales. M, Froy H, German R N, Holdgate species: Modelling the dependence Butterfly Conservation Report S08- R (2009). Habitat preference and of Heath Fritillary populations 25, Wareham, Dorset dispersal of the Duke of Burgundy on the spatial distribution of butterfly (Hamearis lucina) on woodland management. Biological Smith R G, Hobson R (2004) The an abandoned chalk quarry in Conservation 142: 2743-2751 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis Bedfordshire, UK. Journal of Insect adippe in the Alun Valley, Old Conservation 13: 475–486 Joy J (2002) Survey of the Wyre Castle Down and Ogmore Down, Forest for the Pearl-bordered Vale of Glamorgan: A Management Warren M S (1987) The ecology and Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) 2002. Programme 2003-2006. Butterfly conservation of the Heath Fritillary Unpublished report to English Conservation Report S04-05, butterfly Mellicta athalia 3. Population Nature, Forest Enterprise and Wareham, Dorset dynamics and the effect of habitat Butterfly Conservation management. Journal of Applied Spencer S R, Kelsall J B (2005) The Ecology 24: 499-513 Joy J, Williams M (2008) Butterfly status of the High Brown Fritillary Conservation Regional Action Plan (Argynnis adippe) at Allt Dolanon Warren M S (1994) The UK status for the West Midlands. Butterfly (Powys) in 2004. Unpublished report and suspected metapopulation Conservation Report S08-19, for Countryside Council for Wales structure of a threatened European Wareham, Dorset butterfly, the Marsh Fritillary Swaay C van, Warren M S (1999) Red Euphydryas aurinia. Biological Lawton J H, Brotherton P N M, Brown Data Book of European butterflies Conservation 67: 239-249 V K, Elphick C, Fitter A H, Forshaw (Rhopalocera). Council of Europe, J, Haddow R W, Hilborne S, Leafe Strasbourg (Nature and Environment R N, Mace G M, Southgate M P, Series No. 99)

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 93 Acknowledgements

These projects would not have been possible without the generous financial or in-kind support of:

94 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths These projects would not have been possible without the generous financial or in-kind support of: Dartmoor Marsh Fritillary (pages 10-15): Dartmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor National Park Authority, Natural England, Environment Agency, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Care Moor for Exmoor, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Butterfly Conservation Devon Branch and Butterfly Conservation Somerset and Bristol Branch.

Morecambe Bay Limestones High Brown Fritillary (pages 16-23): GrantScape, Forestry Commission England, Vincent Weir Wildlife Trust , Lake District National Park Authority, Arnside and Silverdale AONB, Friends of the Lake District, National Trust, 19 Butterfly Conservation Branches, Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Mercers’ Foundation, Restore UK and the High Brown Fritillary Action Group.

Dorset Marsh Fritillary (pages 24-29): Natural England. We would like to thank the many Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch recorders for their commitment and help in monitoring the Marsh Fritillary. Caroline Bulman and Nigel Bourn’s involvement with this work was supported by Natural England (FST20-84-042).

Wyre Forest Pearl-bordered Fritillary (pages 30-35): Forestry Commission England, Natural England, Heritage Lottery Fund, SITA Trust, Grow with Wyre, Countdown 2010 and The Tubney Charitable Trust.

Breckland Moths (pages 36-41): SITA Trust, WREN, Forest Heath District Council, Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership and Forestry Commission England.

Blean Heath Fritillary (pages 42-47): Natural England, Forestry Commission England, Kent Wildlife Trust and RSPB.

County Durham Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (pages 48-51): Durham County Council, Durham Biodiversity Partnership, Durham Wildlife Trust, BTCV, Butterfly Conservation North East England Branch. Figures 1-2 and Table 1 are reproduced with the kind permission from Springer Science & Business Media: Lepidoptera Conservation in a Changing World (eds: Dover J, Warren M, Shreeve T); Landscape-scale conservation in practice: lessons from northern England, UK; 2011; pp 303-315; Ellis S, Wainwright D, Berney F, Bulman C, Bourn N.; Figures 2, 6 and Table 2; © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Natural England 100046223 [2010].

South Wales High Brown Fritillary (pages 52-57): Countryside Council for Wales, PONT, Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and the Welsh Government. We are particularly grateful to the Duchy of Lancaster, Ewenny Priory Estate, Llantrisant Town Trust, Mynydd y Gaer Commoners Association Old Castle Down Commoners Association, Tarmac plc and Vale of Glamorgan LBAP Partnership.

Warwickshire Small Blue (pages 58-65): SITA Trust, CEMEX , Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council, Bishop Itchington Parish Council, Southam Town Council, Stockton Parish Council, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Network Rail, Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire Branch, British Waterways, Sustrans, Severn Trent Water, The Tree Council and Solihull Mind.

South East Woodlands (pages 66-75): The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Tubney Charitable Trust, Forestry Commission England, the Kent Downs AONB, the High Weald AONB, Hampshire County Council, SITA Trust and Biffa Award. We would like to thank the many partner organisations whose involvement made this project possible, including Natural England, the Woodland Trust, the Deer Initiative and the Small Woodland Owners Group. Special thanks are due to the many landowners and volunteers whose involvement was at the heart of this project.

Scottish Marsh Fritillary (pages 76-79): Scottish Natural Heritage, Species Action Framework, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Agricultural College, Agrimony. Without the co-operation, interest and enthusiasm of the individual farmers the future of Marsh Fritillary in Scotland would be very bleak.

North York Moors Duke of Burgundy (pages 80-85): North York Moors National Park Authority, North York Moors Sustainable Development Fund, Natural England, Forestry Commission England, Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch, National Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, WREN and The Tree Council. Figures 1-3 and Table 1 are reproduced with the kind permission from Springer Science & Business Media: Lepidoptera Conservation in a Changing World (eds: Dover J, Warren M, Shreeve T); Landscape-scale conservation in practice: lessons from northern England, UK; 2011; pp 303-315; Ellis S, Wainwright D, Berney F, Bulman C, Bourn N.; Figures 8-10 and Table 3; © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Natural England 100046223 [2010].

Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths | 95 Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK

Head Office Butterfly Conservation is the UK Manor Yard charity working towards a world East Lulworth where butterflies and moths can Wareham thrive for future generations to enjoy. Dorset Through conservation programmes BH20 5QP on threatened species, management Telephone: 01929 400209 of nature reserves, survey and Email: monitoring, education, training, [email protected] raising awareness and carrying out www.butterfly-conservation.org research, Butterfly Conservation’s work contributes not only to the Butterfly Conservation conservation of biodiversity but also Northern Ireland to the creation of a healthier world in 3 New Line which we all can live. Crossgar Downpatrick For information on joining and BT30 9EP supporting the work of Butterfly Conservation please visit Butterfly Conservation Scotland www.butterfly-conservation.org Balallan House Allan Park Butterfly Conservation. Company Stirling limited by guarantee, registered FK8 2QG in England (2206468). Registered office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Butterfly Conservation Wales Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP. 10 Calvert Terrace Charity registered in England and Swansea Wales (254937) and in Scotland SA1 6AR (SCO39268).

Designed and produced by Catalyst Design+Media Printed on Regency Satin

96 | Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths