There is some positive news, however, because the rare Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly is faring better thanks to a partnership project between Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation Trust and Natural Resources Wales. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly has declined by 88% in Wales over the last 20 years and survives at just 12 sites in Montgomeryshire.

Russell George AM for Montgomeryshire is helping to conserve the rare butterfly as part of his role as Species Champion. He will take part in visits and conservation activities and promote the species at the Senedd. He said:

"The last remaining stronghold of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary is in my constituency and I applaud Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust for its work to protect this beautiful species. When implemented well, conservation measures work and can help reverse species and habitat decline. Today’s report highlights the worrying decline of nature here in Wales and across the UK. We all have a role to play in countering that."

Habitat for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary has been carefully managed at key sites in the area, and from 2009 to 2011, adult butterflies were released at Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve which is owned and managed by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.

Tammy Stretton, Conservation Officer for Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, said:

"Monitoring shows a positive long-term trend for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Wales and we’re pleased that management at Llanymynerch Rocks has been successful. However, the population trajectory is still extremely fragile and the condition of the remaining sites will deteriorate rapidly if management is not sustained."

The State of Nature 2016 Wales report can be downloaded below. For more information and the full report, head to wildlifetrusts.org/stateofnature16