The pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.
AMID fears of extinction on the Isle of Wight in 2010, the pearl-bordered fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest woodland butterflies, has survived against the odds to take advantage of the Forestry Commission’s extensive programme of habitat management at Parkhurst Forest, near Newport.
The stunning orange and black woodland butterfly, with white 'pearls’ on the edge of its hindwing, has emerged in increased numbers this year following steep declines over recent years.
Targeted conservation management across the 1,000-acre forest and the creation of open space through recent timber harvesting operations around the core butterfly egg laying areas has helped turn the tide.
During the next few years, the pearl-bordered fritillary population at Parkhurst is hoped to increase to more viable numbers.
A plan is also being developed by the Forestry Commission to re-establish this species at the Firestone-Briddlesford-Combley Woods complex, on the eastern side of the Island, once the Parkhurst population has increased to a sustainable level.
Once considered to be a flagship species of British woodland, the pearl-bordered fritillary used to be widespread and abundant in the woodlands of southern England, following the trail of the woodcutter's axe.
They have been in steep decline for decades, as a direct result of a lack of forest management.
Reporter: suep@iwcpmail.co.uk