Woodland Butterfly Assemblage

Our woodland butterfly priority species includes the Wood White and the Pearl-bordered fritillary.

Wood white butterfly

 

In the UK, there are 55 butterfly species and the Wood White butterfly is one of the rarest and most threatened species. Between 1976 and 2014, this delicate butterfly faced an 88% decline in abundance and an 89% reduction in its distribution.

The Wood White is identified by its white wings adorned with subtle grey markings and its gentle, low-to-the-ground flight pattern. In the UK, it predominantly breeds in woodland clearings and along woodland rides. However, it can also be found on coastal undercliffs, disused railway lines, and around rough, overgrown field edges. This butterfly prefers partially shaded habitats with low-lying scrub that contain its food plants which include vetches, bird’s-foot trefoil, or other legumes.

Eggs are laid in June, with caterpillars hatching after two weeks. They overwinter in the chrysalis stage, and adult butterflies emerge in May. In the warmer southern regions, a second brood can also emerge in August.

Historically, the Wood White was widespread in England and Wales. However, in 2010 only 50 existing sites were reported and it is thought that 13 of these sites have already lost their colonies.

Pearl-bordered fritillary

 

The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is another woodland butterfly also listed as a key species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is one of the earliest fritillaries to emerge and can be found as early as April in woodland clearings or rough hillsides with bracken. This species also flies close to the ground, stopping regularly to feed on spring flowers such as bugle.

It can be identified by its two large silver ‘pearls’ and a row of seven outer ‘pearls’ on the underside hind wing, and also by the red chevrons around the outer pearls and the small central spot on the hind wing.

Conservation at Haugh Woods

Haugh Woods is a 350-hectare mixed woodland in the north of the Wye Valley National Landscape, located within the Woolhope Dome. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to Wood White and Pearl-bordered fritillary populations.

Forestry England has undertaken extensive habitat management efforts to support these woodland butterflies including rideside work, coppicing, and removing conifers to maintain open sunny conditions for the food plants. Recently, roadside edge conifers were removed, and a small area of larch was clear-felled to provide more open habitat, which will be coppiced over time.

Annual rideside maintenance involves cutting using either a side arm flail or a cut-and-collect flail, with cuttings collected to prevent nutrient enrichment, which could favor coarse grasses over delicate food plants.

Butterfly and Beetle Walk

As part of our work to raise awareness of these vulnerable butterflies we are leading butterfly and beetle walks, led by our Nature Recovery Officer, Celyn, through Haugh Woods and the surrounding area. In June we were fortunate enough to spot 3 Wood whites on one walk!

Next Steps

In collaboration with Butterfly Conservation, we aim to identify Wood white and Pearl-bordered fritillary strongholds within the Wye Valley National Landscape to better target our conservation efforts.

 

 

 

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