BC Fritillaries for the Future 2017 Update 5
The conservation of butterflies is always preferably achieved through the improvement, extension, creation or closer-linking of areas of suitable habitat. However, the distribution of some declining species, including Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Sussex, has now become so fragmented that it is unlikely they will ever be able to naturally colonise some locations which are currently suitable for them. Much of the countryside which separates areas of higher quality habitat has become too hostile to allow their easy passage through the wider landscape.
Under circumstances such as these, re-introductions may be the only viable solution in attempting to rebuild robust, self-sustaining populations on a landscape scale. However, it is essential that every proposal is thoroughly researched before any attempt is made, including an assessment of the reasons for absence/loss in the past, and the sustainability of appropriate management long into the future. ‘Habitat specialists’ are very easy to lose from our countryside, and remarkably difficult to put back.
Butterfly Conservation has published a set of guidelines covering the sometimes contentious issue of re-introductions; the ‘BC Code on Introductions and Re-introductions 2010’. Following these guidelines, and with the co-operation and support of landowners at both the donor (I’m grateful to the Norfolk Estate) and recipient sites, I made a re-introduction of Pearl-bordered Fritillary at Stansted Forest in spring 2016. The butterflies were supplied by the Fritillaries for the Future captive-breeding team, comprising Mike Mullis, Theresa Lux and Gary Norman, with additional volunteers set to help in 2017. Theresa and Gary have been involved on an entirely voluntary basis, and their contribution to the project has been immense.
The Stansted Park Foundation, and particularly its Head Forester, Michael Prior, could not have been more helpful in supporting this work, and I believe that Stansted Forest today provides an ideal home for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Three biofuel boilers have been installed on the estate (2008 and two in 2013), being fed by the 110 hectares of Sweet Chestnut coppice within the larger forest (476 hectares). There are several kilometres of well-managed rides and Michael is extending the ride network to better connect areas where conifers are being harvested.
I will be leading a walk here on Saturday 13 May (see
http://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/events/) and attendees (from either side of the Sussex/Hants border) will be invited to join the monitoring team. Training will be offered on the day.
Head Forester Michael Prior releasing Pearl-bordered Fritillaries