The farmers fighting to save a rare butterfly

A farming family is working to boost the numbers of rare butterflies on their land.

The Duke of Burgundy butterfly has declined in numbers in recent decades, with the Butterfly Conservation Society warning "intense efforts" are needed to protect it.

Sonja and Perin Dineley, of Red House Farm on the edge of Cranborne Chase in Wiltshire, are launching a major habitat restoration scheme to boost numbers of the rare insect in their area.

They say the land earmarked for the project was once "really tired" but can now be used to support the Duke of Burgundy butterfly and keep "the farm productive for the next generation."

Colonies of the Duke of Burgundy are the subject of "intense effort by conservationists to prevent this species from becoming extinct," according to the Butterfly Conservation Society.

The insect used to be found across the UK, but is now only spotted in parts of England.

The 56-hectare project at Red House Farm in Wiltshire will see land altered to become butterfly-friendly in partnership with Greenshank Environmental and Restore Nature.

More than 2,600 native trees will be planted and pasture will be bolstered by calcareous, neutral, and acid grasslands, scrub and woodland.

The Dineleys, who have lived at Red House Farm for 25 years, say the habitat improvements at their agricultural farm will be secured through a legally binding 30-year management and monitoring plan via a Section 106 agreement with Wiltshire Council.

They also hope the Stonehill Habitat Bank will provide a space for harvest mice, owls and other declining species.

Signs will be installed on public footpaths on the land so walkers can find out about the new wildlife around them.

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