The Wood White butterfly is a rarer sight in parts of England

The Wood White butterfly has become a rarer sight in England's countryside with numbers falling so low in the past decade it is now considered endangered.

But the Forestry Commission said its fortunes had been reversed in parts of the county after it improved the local habitat for the butterfly.

The commission's Alan Reid said: "It is really quite remarkable."

He said the butterfly was now thriving in woodlands including Bury Ditches, Radnor Wood and Purslow Wood in south Shropshire.

Habitat improved

"We are very pleased that the Wood Whites have done so well in this area over the past two years.

"We are even seeing them spread into woods where they haven't previously been sighted so it's very positive for the future of the species."

The commission has cleared woody scrub from the sides of forest roads and is mowing the land in three-year cycles to help improve the habitat for the butterflies.

The measures have encouraged the growth of vital food plants for the butterflies and has meant their eggs are not being destroyed.