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Rare butterflies found at 2 new sites

Good news for the pearl-bordered fritillary – it has been found at two more sites in mid Wales. It had been thought that there were only seven colonies left in the whole of Montgomeryshire. However, Dr Simon Spencer, project officer for the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust pearl-bordered fritillary project, found some at a site in Cyfronydd, and also on a part of Y Figyn common.

Over the last 3 years the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trusts supported by the Aggregates Levy Fund, Countryside Council for Wales and Powys Country Council have been working to save the rare butterfly. Considerable management work, involving flail mowing gorse, is now showing benefits. Grazing animals have been reintroduced to Y Frochas common, following many years without livestock, and this should help encourage the kind of vegetation these butterflies need.

If you would like to help us save these rare and beautiful butterflies, please contact Simon Spencer at the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust on 01938 555654.