Race is on to save rare butterflies in county reserve

Work has begun to save two very rare species of butterfly at a Lancashire nature reserve.
RSPB volunteers Cal Shipton and Connor Duhig with RSPB Estate Worker Richard Smith at work at Warton Crag nature reserve near CarnforthRSPB volunteers Cal Shipton and Connor Duhig with RSPB Estate Worker Richard Smith at work at Warton Crag nature reserve near Carnforth
RSPB volunteers Cal Shipton and Connor Duhig with RSPB Estate Worker Richard Smith at work at Warton Crag nature reserve near Carnforth

Warton Crag reserve, near Carnforth, has begun a major project to cut back overgrown trees and shurbubbery which are threatening the habitat of the high brown fritillary and pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly - both of which are on the brink of extinction.

Richard Smith, RSPB Estate Worker said: “The work began in February and is being carried out by local forestry contractors as well as a team of RSPB staff and volunteers.”

Most of the work carried out over this three year project will be coppicing. This benefits a range of wildlife but especially the rare and declining fritillary butterflies.