The Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods: A low input large output landscape project

Published source details Bourn N., Bulman C.R. & Kelly C. (2012) The Heath Fritillary in the Blean Woods: A low input large output landscape project. Pages 42-47 in: S. Ellis, N. Bourn & C.R. Bulman (eds.) Landscape-scale conservation for butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK. Butterfly Conservation.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Restore or create forest or woodland Action Link

Restore or create forest or woodland

A study in 2008–2011 in a woodland in Kent, UK (Bourn et al 2012) reported that in an area managed with coppicing, clear felling and ride widening, populations of heath fritillary Melitaea athalia persisted and, during a period when a larger woodland area was managed, the area occupied by heath fritillary increased but the number of colonies decreased. Results were not tested for statistical significance. In woodland already managed with coppicing, clear felling and ride widening, populations of heath fritillary occupied 18 ha in 2008, when management began to be conducted over a larger area, and three years later in 2011 they occupied 28 ha. However, from 2008–2011 the number of colonies decreased from 37 to 23. Blean Woods was managed with coppicing, clear felling and ride widening since at least prior to 1980 (area of management not provided) and from 2008–2011 the area of management was increased (34–54.5 ha/year). Timed butterfly counts were conducted annually.

(Summarised by: Eleanor Bladon)