Killerton’s rare butterfly bounces back

The population of rare pearl-bordered butterfly in Ashclyst Forest, on the Killerton estate near Exeter, has bucked a national trend by increasing in numbers. This encouraging news follows the recent State of Nature Report commissioned by the RSPB and other wildlife organisations revealing a worrying statistic that countryside butterflies within UK woodlands have declined by 43% since 1990.

Despite a particularly challenging year for the Devon countryside, recent wildlife surveys carried out by National Trust at Killerton are demonstrating that things are looking up for the rare pearl-bordered fritillary, with over 20 being spotted in just one day during May. Killerton is renowned for its butterflies, with approximately thirty species inhabiting the forest and farmland on the 6,400 acre National Trust estate.

Ed Nicholson, Area Warden and Forester at Killerton, said: "The weather was absolutely appalling for wildlife last year. Particularly for insects like butterflies whose natural habitats, food supply and breeding sites were destroyed. However, the results from our wildlife counts are very encouraging. Over the next few months we hope that many more pearl-bordered fritillary will be counted at Killerton. It is the perfect time for nature lovers to visit Ashclyst Forest and see this rare and much-loved butterfly."

The pearl-bordered fritillary, named after the pearl-like markings around the edge of its wings, is carefully monitored by Killerton’s countryside team throughout the year. They also work with local volunteers to help increase numbers by selective felling, planting native trees, maintaining woodland glades and coppicing areas of the 650 acre woodland. Gaps in the tree canopy are deliberately created to allow sunlight in and encourage flowers such as the common dog violet, an important food plant for the pearl-bordered fritillary larvae.

Ed Nicholson added: "The warm weather experienced in the run up to spring has made favourable conditions for Devon’s wildlife and countryside. Killerton’s pearl-bordered fritillaries are bouncing back."

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
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