The Fisher's Estuarine moth only eats the Hog's Fennel plant

The Fisher's Estuarine moth lives in low-lying coastal areas where it feeds only on the Hog's Fennel plant.

Areas of its habitat on the north Essex coast are lost each year through flooding, due to rising sea levels.

Landowners in Essex hope to provide alternative areas where Hog's Fennel can grow inland, away from the threat of the sea.

One of the areas being lost is Skipper's Island in the Walton Backwaters area - a stronghold for the caterpillar of the species.

'Beautiful moth'

Natural England has encouraged landowners to create habitat for the moth by planting Hog's Fennel plugs and sowing Hog's Fennel seed into established grassland and control fast growing species such as thistles and nettles.

About 15 new sites have been developed.

The moth can be seen in flight during September and October and is distinctive due to its relatively large size [1.6 - 1.9in (4 - 5cm) wing span] and pale gold-brown wing colour with light and dark spots.

Agri-environmental schemes enable habitat creation

Sarah Brockless, from Natural England, said: "If we hadn't stepped in to create new areas of Hog's Fennel away from the threat of rising sea levels this beautiful moth would have struggled to survive.

"The fantastic co-operation and enthusiasm of landowners has extended a life line so this very vulnerable species may continue to survive long-term in this part of the country."