Lepidoptera on Forestry
Commission Land in England;
Conservation Strategy
2007 – 2017
Review 2012/13
Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England
Conservation Strategy 2007 – 2017
Review 2012/13
This Conservation Strategy is an agreement between Forestry Commission
England and Butterfly Conservation. Forestry Commission England agree to
manage their landholding to encourage and support Lepidoptera and in turn
Butterfly Conservation will monitor species populations and provide
encouragement, management advice and support as required.
Both organisations will strive towards achieving favourable conservation status for
the butterflies and moths identified in this strategy across the priority woodlands.
Signed by:
Simon Hodgson, Chief Executive,
Forestry Commission England
Martin Warren, Chief Executive,
Butterfly Conservation
Contents
Foreword .................................................................................................................. 4
Summary ............................................................................................................ 5
1.0
Introduction ................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Purpose of the Report ................................................................................. 7
2.0
Aims of the Conservation Strategy ................................................................ 8
2.1 Overall Aim ................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Specific Objectives ....................................................................................... 8
3.0
Changes to the Conservation Strategy since 2007 ..................................... 10
3.1 Forestry Commission Changes since 2007 ................................................ 10
3.2 Priority Species Designations ...................................................................... 11
3.3 Butterfly Conservation Landscape Projects ................................................. 16
3.4 Strategy Sites and Priority Site Grade changes .......................................... 16
4.0
Conservation Strategy Context.................................................................... 17
4.1 Importance of woodlands for Lepidoptera .................................................. 17
4.2 Changing status of Butterflies & Moths in woodlands and on the FC estate
17
4.3 Forestry Commission management for Butterflies & Moths to date ............ 19
4.4 Current information on the status of Butterflies and Moths on FC land ..... 20
5.0
Prioritising and Grading Priority Sites .......................................................... 21
5.1 Methodology ............................................................................................ 21
5.2 Distribution of sites by grading ................................................................... 22
5.3 Results of Strategy Review 2012................................................................. 23
5.4 Summary Statistics 2012/13 ....................................................................... 27
6.0
References .................................................................................................. 29
7.0
Useful reading ............................................................................................. 30
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ 31
Appendix 1: Species Grading ................................................................................. 32
Appendix 2. Lepidoptera found on Forestry Commission Land, their conservation
status and requirements......................................................................................... 35
Appendix 3. National Summary of Forest District Priority Sites by Designation ..... 40
Appendix 4: Key policies & strategies affecting Forestry and Biodiversity post-2010
............................................................................................................................... 41
Appendix 5i. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by FC
District 2012 ........................................................................................................... 42
Appendix 5ii. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by FC
District 2012 associated maps and tables .............................................................. 49
Central Forest District ............................................................................................ 51
East Forest District ................................................................................................. 54
North District .......................................................................................................... 58
South District .......................................................................................................... 62
Ampfield Wood ....................................................................................................... 62
West District ........................................................................................................... 68
Yorkshire District .................................................................................................... 74
Westonbirt Arboretum ............................................................................................ 78
Foreword
Butterflies and moths are known to be valuable indicators of the changes affecting
the wider countryside and recent studies suggest that a large number of species
are in rapid decline. Butterflies and moths are one of the most threatened wildlife
groups that inhabit the Forestry Commission Estate and as active land managers;
we are able to play an important role in their future.
The Priority Lepidoptera Sites identified in this strategy cover approximately 2000 –
8000ha of woodland and associated open habitats such as heathland and
limestone pavement. These sites represent approximately 3% of the total Forestry
Commission England landholding and 56% of them have SSSI designation.
They support populations of some of the UK’s most endangered woodland
butterflies and moths including the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Wood White, as
well as the Argent & Sable. The reasons behind the decline of these Biodiversity
Action Plan Priority Species are complex; however a lack of woodland
management is often cited as an important cause and one that we can act on to
support the conservation of these species.
Managing woodlands for Lepidoptera will make an important contribution to many
other work programmes taking place across the Forestry Commission England
Estate including work to enhance the condition of SSSI, Ancient Woodland
restoration and Biodiversity Action Plan habitat restoration. With the potential
demand for small diameter hardwoods on the increase through developments in
the wood fuel industry, new opportunities for the sustainable management of key
Lepidoptera habitats are being created.
Many Lepidoptera depend on a network of early succession habitats, such as
young coppice as well as open, sunny rides for their long-term survival. If we are
to prevent the loss of key woodland Lepidoptera from Forestry Commission
woodlands, we need to target woodland management practices more directly and
more urgently at the Priority Sites listed in this Conservation Strategy.
Much good work has already been achieved by Forestry Commission staff working
closely with Butterfly Conservation colleagues. A key objective of this strategy is to
further raise awareness of the important sites, to ensure that they feature as
priorities in both the Design Planning process and the daily management of our
woodlands. It also provides the opportunity to underpin a bid for funding to give
the Forestry Commission the best chance of achieving the aims of the Strategy by
2017.
It is vital that the Forestry Commission’s delivery of Priority Site conservation and
management is viewed as part of a much wider programme of delivery to ensure
that these diverse and beautiful insects are allowed to increase and thrive in our
English woodlands.
Simon Hodgson
Chief Executive Forestry Commission England
Summary
This strategy supports the agreement between Forestry Commission England (FC)
and Butterfly Conservation to conserve and increase populations of butterflies and
moths by increasing the level and urgency of woodland management across sites
considered to be important for Lepidoptera.
It is aimed at the foresters, conservation managers and planners in each Forest
District who are responsible for planning and implementing the management
activities across our landholding. It provides details of each priority site as well as
more generic information on the habitat requirements of each of our most
threatened species.
With advice and input from Forest District staff and Butterfly Conservation 140 sites
known to be important for butterfly and moth species were identified and formed
the basis of the strategy in 2007. Since the writing of the Strategy in 2007 the
twelve former FC Districts have been condensed to 7 (see Section 3.1). The total
number of woodlands that this review is based on has now changed to 136 as four
sites originally included were disposed by the Forestry Commission in 2012.
Priority Site grading has changed for 11 sites due to colonisations and extinctions
of priority species; an additional 24 sites have either increased or decreased in
‘Total Species Score’ (see Section 3.4 & 5.3). These changes are due to additional
survey effort and knowledge of a species occurrence on a site specific basis. The
following summarises the site changes:

85 (change from 77) sites have been graded A because they support species
such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Argent & Sable that depend
specifically on woodland and require urgent targeted management.

27 (change from 33) sites are graded B. These sites support a lesser variety of
priority species or species that are not so reliant on urgent woodland
management such as the Grizzled Skipper.

24 (change from 30) sites are graded C. These sites support more generalist
priority or species of conservation concern such as the White Admiral.
The Strategy ‘Site Grading’ and ‘Species Scores’ are based on a total of 59
Lepidoptera species of which 38 are currently designated as both Section 41 and
UKBAP Priority Species; 16 butterflies and 22 moths.
33% of sites in the Strategy (45 out of the 136) are or have been part of a Butterfly
Conservation led Landscape project since 2007.
The objectives are to conserve populations of all priority Lepidoptera species on
FC land through active woodland management. This can only be achieved through
raising awareness of the urgency and necessity of each management activity on
the ground.
This strategy aims to do that through promoting a better
understanding of the sites important for Lepidoptera and the species requirements
across FC England.
It should become a key document used to inform all stages of the management
process from Forest Design Planning through to operational planning and
management activity in the woods.
The Conservation Strategy will be reviewed with each Forest District on a rolling
programme to ensure that it is kept alive and relevant throughout its duration. The
overall success will be determined by the status of priority Lepidoptera at priority
sites at the mid-term review date of 2012 and again in 2017.
In 2012 the information within this Strategy has been reviewed. In 2017 a review of
this Strategy and your knowledge of these sites will help us to re-assess Priority
Site information and demonstrate conservation success.
1.0
Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Report
None of the work needed to maintain priority Lepidoptera is new to the Forestry
Commission – most Priority Sites simply need more action, and urgently. A
significant proportion of Priority Sites are Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Sites
(ASNW) or Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), already managed for
their biodiversity value or under a programme of restoration back to semi-natural
woodland composition. In addition, a number of sites are designated as Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), many for their butterfly and moth interest and are
currently being targeted under PSA agreement to ensure that 95% of the SSSI
network on the public forest estate is maintained in favourable or recovering
condition, while over time increasing the area of SSSI in favourable condition.
To put the conservation of Lepidoptera in context, approximately 3% of the FC
estate has been identified as a priority site. These sites form an integral part of
sustainable woodland management and should be maintained with the same set of
planning and operational tools that are used across the whole estate. Taking an
integrated approach means that these sites are managed alongside the wider
estate, supporting and contributing to other objectives such as Ancient Woodland
restoration, SSSI management and Habitat Action Plan targets.
The Forestry Commission is currently facing many challenges. Woodland
management for conservation depends on the availability of suitable markets for
small diameter hardwoods such as coppice. The most important market for such
products, the St. Regis paper mill closed in early 2006. Other challenges include
the increasingly wide range of objectives that have to be reconciled whilst
competing for the available resources. Securing additional resources will greatly
reduce the challenge of improving woodland habitats for Lepidoptera.
Although they can be managed alongside other objectives, woodland Lepidoptera
are dependent on regular habitat management for their survival. If forest
management does not provide, for example, open habitat on a rotational basis, or
rides become too shaded or connectivity between areas of suitable habitat is lost,
populations can quickly become extinct. It is crucial that Priority Sites, known to be
valuable due to their important Lepidoptera assemblages, feature highly in both the
Forest Design Plans and the Operational Site Assessments that take place before
operations commence, so that opportunities to enhance their habitats are not
missed.
This strategy aims to reduce the chances of local extinction happening by raising
awareness of these sites, of the Lepidoptera they support and of the general
habitat requirements of each of the species across the FC Estate. It does not aim
to provide detailed, site specific management prescriptions for each Priority Site,
but encourages you to seek guidance from Butterfly Conservation staff if required.
Priority Site species information contained within this strategy was correct at the
time of writing in 2007. It was collated using Butterfly Conservation monitoring
data and information from the Forest District staff. This is a working document - use
the Forest District tables to record new sightings or management activities that may
have benefited Lepidoptera. In 2017 a review of this Strategy and your knowledge
of these sites will help us to re-assess Priority Site information and demonstrate
conservation success.
In 2012 the information within this Strategy has been reviewed using national
butterfly and moth data, District Ecologist and Butterfly Conservation
Regional staff comments.
The publication of this strategy in 2007 coincided with the recent National Review
of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species by the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee (JNCC). A significant number of butterfly and moth species have been
added to the priority list, due to their increasing rarity within the British countryside.
Many of these species occur on Forestry Commission land, again emphasising the
ongoing commitment needed to ensure the objectives of this Conservation
Strategy are achieved.
2.0
Aims of the Conservation Strategy
2.1
Overall Aim

Through active forest management planned for butterflies and moths, FC aims
to conserve populations of all BAP Lepidoptera species on the Forestry
Commission England Estate.
The priorities are to:



2.2
Prevent further extinctions
Stabilise colonies and numbers
Increase populations and range of the BAP Priority Species that require
targeted woodland management
Specific Objectives
This Conservation Strategy will achieve the overall aim above through:

Ensuring that more urgent action is carried out within the Priority Sites that are
listed in this Strategy and that this management is integrated with other
management activities such as PAWS restoration, timber harvesting (including
wood-fuel initiatives), SSSI condition enhancement and Habitat Action Plan
restoration targets.

Raising awareness and promoting a better understanding of Priority Sites and
species to inform and guide all stages of Priority Site management from Forest
Design Planning through to Operational Site Assessment and activity in the
woods.

Increasing communication between FC staff and Butterfly Conservation staff
and to ensure that expert advice is sought by both parties when appropriate.

Encouraging further survey effort for Lepidoptera within FC woodlands,
especially Grade A Priority Sites, and ensuring that records of scarce and
threatened species are forwarded to Butterfly Conservation.

Ensuring increased monitoring of Priority Sites results in more informed and
responsive actions being taken in terms of planning and management activity.

Achievement of the above objectives will be subject to available resources, and
it will be vital to use this Conservation Strategy to underpin and secure
additional funding from other parties to achieve the aims and objectives of this
strategy.
2.3
Further objectives (subject to additional funding)

FC will co-operate with partners over planned re-introductions, using Butterfly
Conservation guidelines. It will be the responsibility of partners to assess
feasibility and conduct actual re-introductions. FC will work with partners to
create and maintain the desired habitat conditions.

In co-operation with partners Butterfly Conservation will identify the key
outstanding research issues for the conservation of Woodland Lepidoptera and
will discuss with research providers.

Butterfly Conservation will produce, in co-operation with partners, an advisory
leaflet to provide the best current information on woodland management for
Lepidoptera.
The success of this strategy will be determined by how fully the
objectives of this Conservation Strategy have been implemented and met.
This will be assessed by the number of sites in 2017 maintaining or
improving their populations of Priority Lepidoptera and favourable habitat
condition status.
3.0
Changes to the Conservation Strategy since 2007
3.1
Forestry Commission Changes since 2007
Appendix 4 details the key policies & strategies affecting Forestry and Biodiversity
post-2010
Forestry Commission Districts
Following the 2010 Government Spending Review a restructuring programme was
implemented across Forestry Commission England which resulted in the reduction
of administrative areas for the public forest estate from 11 to 6 Forest Districts plus
the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. Following this reorganisation each Forest
District now has an Ecologist responsible for providing a support role to the local
forest planning and operational teams and maintaining partnership working with
key conservation stakeholders. The District Ecologists are responsible for
championing the joint strategy for Lepidoptera on the public forest estate and
ensuring that its objectives are delivered via strategic and operational plans.
Please refer to Figure 1 which depicts the former and current Forest Districts.
Figure 1. Left: Forestry Commission Districts 2007 Right: Forestry Commission
Districts 2012
Site Disposals
Prior to the Governments formation of the Independent Panel on Forestry and the
associated moratorium on site disposals some four priority sites originally listed in
the 2007 strategy have been disposed of. These sites are listed in Table 1.
Priority Site
Grade
A
B
C
Sites Disposed
FC District 20072012
South
Sites Disposed
Rewell Wood
Bramfield Wood
Balls Wood and
Woodhouse
Totals
East
South & East
Sites Disposed species Asc.
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
White Admiral, White Letter
Hairstreak
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
Table 1. Disposed Priority Sites and their Priority Site Grade 2007-2012
3.2 Priority Species Designations
NERC Section 41 species and former UKBAP
Of the 59 species included in this Strategy when it was written, 28 were designated
as UKBAP Priority and 14 were under review. Following the UKBAP review in 2007
there were 38 UKBAP Priority Species included; 16 butterflies and 22 moths.
Following UK and International policy change, the approach to species and habitat
conservation in the UK is now being approached at a country level within the UK
Biodiversity Framework.
Consequently, after this Strategy was published all of the 38 UKBAP Priority
Species included were designated in England as Section 41* species listed in the
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. This legislation requires
that public bodies, such as the Forestry Commission, have a duty under section 40
of the same act to “have regard” to the conservation of biodiversity in England
when carrying out their normal functions. Since the publication of the NERC Act
(2006) the Lepidoptera Strategy is of even greater strategic importance.
Biodiversity 2020 NERC Section 41 species Action targets
The Biodiversity 2020 Terrestrial Biodiversity Group was requested to highlight the
actions required to assist in the recovery of all species designated as S41. The
group, consisting of a range of expert species ecologists, identified and prioritised
a set of actions for each species.
The actions are considered to be those required for S41 species to recover as well
as meet Outcome 3 of the Biodiversity 2020 strategy written by the government.
The actions were updated in January 2014 and Table 2 has been adapted to
reflect the species included in the Lepidoptera Strategy. The full table can be
downloaded from
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4958719460769792.
All of the actions listed require the ‘Land and Woodland Management’ as
their delivery mechanism.
The definitions of ‘Priority Group’ are as follows:
1 = global concern
2= European concern
3=national concern
4=other national concern
*The definition of this designation is as follows “Species of principal importance for the purpose of conserving
biodiversity” covered under section 41 (England) of the NERC Act (2006) and therefore need to be taken into
consideration by a public body when performing any of its functions with a view to conserving biodiversity.
Section 41 and UKBAP Priority Species that require urgent targeted management:
FC
Species
Score
Common name
Taxon name (=
synonym)
Argent and Sable
Rheumaptera
hastata
15
Basil-thyme
Case-bearer
Coleophora tricolor
15
Betony Casebearer
Coleophora
wockeella
15
Drab Looper
Minoa murinata
15
Duke of Burgundy
Hamearis lucina
15
Heath Fritillary
Melitaea athalia
15
High Brown
Fritillary
Argynnis adippe
15
Lunar Yellow
Underwing
Noctua orbona
15
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Boloria
euphrosyne
15
Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
Boloria Selene
15
Wood White
Leptidea sinapis
15
Action text
EWGS designed to
encourage open woodland
with abundant birch re-growth.
Agri-env schemes designed to
preserve its specialised earlysuccessional habitat. Its
specific requirements are not
fully understood & BC should
be consulted for detailed
advice.
EWGS to maintain the open
glades and clearings in
woodlands and encourage
growth of the larval food plant
(betony).
EWGS to maintain the open
areas in ancient woodlands
which this species requires.
Secure habitat management
at all sites through HLS where
possible/ practical; this
species is covered under the
Farmland Butterfly Initiative
(FBI).
Secure habitat management
at all sites through EWGS
where HLS not possible/
practical.
Secure habitat management
at all sites through HLS (FBI)
where possible/ practical; this
species is covered under the
Farmland Butterfly Initiative
(FBI)
EWGS to preserve the open
woodland glades where this
species occurs.
Secure habitat management
at all sites through EWGS
where HLS not possible/
practical.
EWGS (based on regular
rotational ride/ glade
maintenance, or a suitable
coppicing regime).
EWGS (based on regular
rotational ride/ glade
maintenance, or a suitable
coppicing regime).
Action priority
Priority
Group (as
defined by
Natural
England)
Medium
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Urgent
3
Medium
3
Urgent
3
Medium
3
Urgent
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Section 41 and UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a secondary habitat but active
management necessary:
Common
name
Taxon name
(= synonym)
FC
Species
Score
Action text
Action
priority
Priority
Group
(as
defined
by
Natural
England)
Medium
3
Low
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Low
3
Medium
4
Low
3
Low
3
Barberry
Carpet
Pareulype
berberata
5
Agri-env schemes to ensure suitable
management of the hedgerows &
woodland edges where it occurs; in
particular hedgerows should be
trimmed in late autumn, after larvae
have pupated.
Barred
Toothstriped
Trichopteryx
polycommata
5
EWGS to maintain/ restore wide
woodland glades and edge habitats
where privet can flourish.
Buttoned
Snout*
Hypena
rostralis
5
Brown
Hairstreak
Thecla
betulae
5
Clay FanFoot
Paracolax
tristalis
5
Common
Fan-foot
Pechipogo
strigilata
5
Dingy
Mocha
Cyclophora
pendularia
5
Dingy
Skipper
Erynnis
tages
5
False
Mocha
Cyclophora
porata
5
Grayling
Hipparchia
semele
5
Grizzled
Skipper
Pyrgus
malvae
5
Agri-env schemes, tailored to
manage hedgerows and woodland
edges in a sympathetic way for this
species. Involves re-planting
hedgerows (with blackthorn
included) as well as more
appropriate management of existing
hedgerows.
EWGS to maintain woodland glades
and other suitable open areas in
woodlands.
Species requirements not fully
understood, but long-term rotational
coppicing & occasional felling of
mature trees (to provide gaps) helps
& this should be provided through
EWGS.
Agri-env schemes designed to
preserve the damp grasslands and
heathlands where the required
willows grow inn un-shaded
situations.
EWGS (based on regular rotational
maintenance of wide glades/rides).
EWGS to provide the coppiced
woodland & clearings/ glades it
requires.
Agri-env schemes to preserve its
specialised, early successional
habitat.
EWGS (based on regular rotational
maintenance of wide glades/rides).
Common
name
Taxon name
(= synonym)
FC
Species
Score
Large
Heath
Coenonympha
tullia
5
Marsh
Fritillary
Euphydryas
aurinia
5
Action text
Agri-env schemes suitably tailored
to maintain the specific (wet boggy
mire) habitat, with water levels
properly maintained and sites not
overgrazed.
Secure habitat management at all
sites through HLS where possible/
practical; this species is covered
under the Farmland Butterfly
Initiative (FBI)
Agri-env schemes to ensure
abundant larval food plant & nectar
sources. N.B. often occurs in same
grasslands as marsh fritillary and
prescriptions should accommodate
both spp. where they both occur.
Action
priority
Priority
Group
(as
defined
by
Natural
England)
Medium
2
Urgent
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Medium
3
Urgent
3
Medium
3
Narrowbordered
Bee Hawkmoth
Hemaris tityus
Northern
Brown
Argus
Aricia
artaxerxes
5
Olive
Crescent
Trisateles
emortualis
5
Scarce
Aspen
Knot-horn
Sciota hostilis
5
Scarce
Aspen
Midget
Moth
Phyllonorycter
sagitella
5
Silverstudded
Blue
Plebejus
argus
5
Agri-env schemes to preserve its
early successional habitat.
Medium
4
Speckled
Footman
Coscinia
cribraria
subsp.
bivittata
5
Agri-env schemes to maintain/
enhance the specific heathland
habitat which this species requires.
Medium
1
Xestia
rhomboidea
5
Agri-env schemes to ensure good
supply of larval food plant.
Medium
3
Squarespotted
Clay*
Striped
Lychnis
Waved
Carpet*
Shargacucullia
lychnitis
Hydrelia
sylvata
5
5
5
Ensure that grazing of upland
limestone grasslands is not too
intensive and thus accommodates
the needs of this butterfly.
EWGS designed to maintain
suitable numbers of mature trees
with damaged branches, producing
the preferred larval food plant of
withered leaves.
Little-known species and a better
knowledge of its autecology is
required to fully understand the
reasons for its decline.
EWGS to maintain suitable
woodland habitat with sufficient
aspen; may need autecological
studies as well as reasons for
decline may not be fully known.
Section 41 and UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:
Common
name
Taxon
name (=
synonym)
Dark
Crimson
Underwing
Catocala
sponsa
Action text
Action
priority
Priority
Group
(as
defined
by
Natural
England)
3
EWGS designed to preserve suitable
numbers of large, mature oaks in the
species range & habitat.
Medium
1
Medium
4
FC
Species
Score
Heart Moth
Dicycla oo
3
Agri-env schemes designed to
preserve mature & veteran oaks in
hedgerows, field margins, commons,
woodland edge etc.
Light
Crimson
Underwing
Catocala
promissa
3
EWGS designed to preserve suitable
numbers of large, mature oaks in the
species range & habitat.
Medium
1
Scarce
Merveille du
Jour*
Moma
alpium
3
White
Admiral
Limenitis
camilla
3
EWGS (based on regular rotational
ride/ glade maintenance, with mature
woodland retained).
Low
3
3
Action centres on maintaining
suitable elm trees, controlling Dutch
elm disease where it still occurs and
re-planting with disease-resistant
elms. EWGS, where appropriate, is
one suitable mechanism for this.
Medium
3
3
EWGS designed to preserve English
Elms in woodlands & woodland edge
(including protection against Dutch
Elm Disease).
Medium
4
Medium
4
White Letter
Hairstreak
Satyrium walbum
WhiteSpotted
Pinion
Cosmia
diffinis
Other key species occurring in woodland:
The
Concolorous
Chortodes
extrema
1
Table 2. Section 41 species actions
EWGS designed to maintain/
enhance the damp woodland habitat
where it grows (including
encouraging growth of larval food
plant).
3.3 Butterfly Conservation Landscape Projects
Butterfly Conservation has been targeting Lepidoptera conservation through
working in a number of sites within a network across a distinct landscape for a
number of years. This was in response to the results of metapopulation research
which highlighted the importance of reducing species isolation through targeting
management across a number of connected sites in a landscape (Bourn & Bulman,
2005; Hanski 1998).
A recent publication which highlights five woodland case studies at the landscape
scale includes a number of Forestry Commission sites across the UK (Ellis et al
2012).
The number of FC Strategy sites that are involved with or included in Butterfly
Conservation Landscape projects changes on an annual basis as projects end and
others begin. Currently 33% of sites included in the Strategy (45 out of the 136) are
or have been part of a Butterfly Conservation led landscape project since 2007.
3.4 Strategy Sites and Priority Site Grade changes
The total number of woodlands that this 2012 Strategy review is now based on has
decreased to 136 from 140 in 2007 as four sites originally included were disposed
of by the Forestry Commission in 2012.
Priority Site Grading has changed for 11 sites due to colonisations and extinctions
of priority species; an additional 24 sites have either increased or decreased their
Total Species Score with an average change in score of +/-10 (see Section 5.3).
Priority
Site
Grade
A
B
C
Totals
Original
Strategy
2007
2012
Review
Post
Disposals
85
27
24
77
33
30
76
32
28
136
140
136
Table 3. Total number of Priority Sites Grades 2007 and 2012
4.0
Conservation Strategy Context
4.1
Importance of woodlands for Lepidoptera

Woodland is an extremely important habitat for British Lepidoptera. Sixteen
species of butterfly (out of Britain’s 59 resident species) rely on woodland in all
or part of their range or have a large proportion of their population associated
with woodlands (Clark et al 2011).

Nearly two thirds of all British butterflies will use woodland as breeding habitat.
(Fox et al 2011).

There are around 2500 species of moths in Britain. Moths are found in almost
all habitats and occupy a variety of niches but around 580 species of the larger
British moths occur regularly in woodland habitat from open clearings to ancient
woodland (Clark et al 2011).

Open space within woodland provides a refuge for species of open habitats.
The FC Estate includes important non-woodland habitats, including unimproved
grasslands, upland and lowland heath and mires.
4.2
Changing status of Butterflies & Moths in woodlands and on the FC estate
During the 20th Century there has been an increasingly rapid decline in woodland
butterflies with many species disappearing from much of their former range.
Recent data analysis using the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme highlights that
specialist species that occur in woodlands (16) have declined by 56% since 1990
(Clarke et al 2011). It suggests that butterflies associated with woodland clearings
have undergone a marked decline of 80% since 1985.
In the recent publication The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2011, the 10 year
indicator trend using UKBMS data from 1999-2009 suggests that all butterflies
occurring in woodland have declined by 51%.. Butterflies associated with active
woodland management such as coppice clearings and ride management continue
to suffer declines including the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary
which have declines in their 10 year population trend by 46% and 42% respectively
(Fox et al. 2011).
Trends of species that are associated with mature woodland like the Speckled
Wood and Silver-washed Fritillary have increased their populations by 42% and
38% respectively. This suggests that woodland conditions have become
increasingly shaded with a dense canopy, conditions under which these shadetollerant species can do well.
Moths have also seen a decline. The number of moths caught in Rothamsted light
traps has decreased by 28% over a 40 year period between 1968 to 2007. Since
the last report (Fox et al. 2006) the UKBAP list of moths increased to 81 and an
additional 71 widespread but rapidly declining larger moths were included.
However following the UKBAP review 142 moth species are now listed as Species
of Principal Importance in England under section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 (Fox et
al 2013).
Figure 2.
2009
Graphs displaying the trends in woodland butterflies from 1990-
Butterflies and moths are a well-studied group and the decline of so many
woodland Lepidoptera may indicate a serious, yet less well-documented, threat to
other woodland fauna and flora. A paper by Thomas et al. (2004) showed that
butterflies have declined by 71% since the 1970s, substantially more than the
decline recorded for British birds (54% over 20 years) and plants (28% over 40
years).
The overall decline in Lepidoptera has been strongly linked to changing
management, structure and composition of woods, e.g. increasing shade, fewer
open spaces and loss of plant diversity. Woodland management has altered
rapidly, with a change from extensive coppicing in the late 19 th Century in favour of
high forest and the widespread introduction of conifers to previously broad-leaved
woodland. Many of the woodlands that were not planted with conifers have
undergone 100 years of neglect, especially those in private ownership.
The darker conditions that accompany maturing conifer plantations are unsuitable
for most BAP Priority Lepidoptera. Few woodland butterflies can cope with wellshaded habitat and this has led to a decline in the majority of species that depend
on early succession. Only the Speckled Wood, a species that can tolerate shaded
conditions more than most other butterflies has increased in abundance. Conifer
feeding moths, such as the Spruce Carpet, Pine Beauty and Satin Beauty have
also done well (Fox et al. 2006b) although the Bordered White, another conifer
specialist has declined (-33% in 35 years).
The impact of increasing deer numbers on ground flora has been identified as a
further threat to Lepidoptera. In some circumstances they can prevent wood regrowth (thus affecting ground flora), the quality of coppice re-growth and,
occasionally, may directly graze out food plants. The White Admiral has seen a
50% decline in numbers, thought to be due to Honeysuckle being browsed out by
deer (Feber et al. 2001).
The intensification of agriculture and removal of hedgerow and woodland
fragments have left much woodland isolated, reducing the chances of recolonisation after local extinctions. The remaining woods are important as refuges
for grassland as well as woodland species. This increases the need to maintain
habitat variability within each individual woodland block, where habitat
fragmentation in the surrounding countryside is high.
The Forestry Commission was set up in 1919 with the objective of planting enough
forest to provide a strategic reserve of timber for future wars or national
emergencies. Afforestation by the Forestry Commission took place at an
unprecedented scale following the First World War, often with minimal regard for
existing habitats such as native woodland. This undoubtedly had a negative
impact on our woodland Lepidoptera.
However, many PAWS still retain some of the rich flora of their past and have very
good potential to support sustainable populations of Priority Lepidoptera species.
Over recent years, the widespread implementation of PAWS restoration through
the gradual removal of conifer and the use of natural regeneration to create broadleaved semi-natural woodland has given rise to more species rich woodlands.
However the move towards continuous cover forestry may have an adverse impact
on Lepidoptera populations reliant on the early successional stages once provided
through clearfelling. It is important that plentiful, well-connected open spaces such
as rides are available within these woodlands to ensure that adequate habitat is
available for Lepidoptera.
In addition FC are now taking a landscape-scale approach to habitat re-creation,
and restoration projects are resulting in the creation of larger and more sustainable
semi-natural habitat mosaics. FC woods are now representing a vital conservation
resource for butterflies and moths in England.
4.3
Forestry Commission management for Butterflies & Moths to date
FC management for butterflies dates back to the 1970s, with practice evolving over
the years. Management has developed from small-scale work in limited reserve
areas to whole-wood management which provides greater, and more sustainable,
conservation opportunities.
Small-scale management, using hand or mechanised hand tools in places like
Bernwood proved unable to slow succession sufficiently to provide habitat for key
early successional species. Larger-scale management plans developed in the late
1970s and early 1980s at places such as Bernwood and Haugh Wood created
large open spaces, in particular ‘box junctions’ which could be managed by
machine.
At the same time ride management suitable for broad, mechanised application was
developed by Forest Research and widely applied. However, these practices did
not live up to their initial promise because natural succession to grasses and other
coarse vegetation meant that managed edges and glades lacked a bare
ground/woodland herb component and became unsuitable for early succession
species. Considerable effort has been made to overcome this problem, including
the use of forage harvesters to remove cut vegetation and selective herbicide
application. This has not produced habitat comparable to coppice or high forest
felling, although has resulted in suitable habitat in some situations.
Clear fells and windblow particularly of conifer, have provided valuable early
succession habitat, for example in South East England, and in the wildlife corridors
developed largely by felling middle-aged conifer in Wyre Forest. The long-term
suitability of these sites will depend on follow-up management, but initial progress
has been made.
Butterfly management on a ‘whole wood’ basis is now being developed linked to
both SSSI and Forest Design Plans (FDPs). In places like Haugh Wood, Wyre
Forest, Whitbarrow, Chiddingfold and Bernwood, management plans have
incorporated the needs of key species of Lepidoptera and implemented actions to
gain positive outcomes. FDPs and SSSI plans in the future must attempt to act on
this landscape-scale to halt the loss of BAP Priority Lepidoptera Species. There is
an important role for Butterfly Conservation in promoting work across land
ownership boundaries to create and maintain linkages.
In February 2006 the St. Regis paper mill closed. This provided by far the most
important market for small diameter hardwoods including coppice. Its closure
makes the sourcing of new and reliable markets vital if affordable and sustainable
management is to be achievable into the future.
4.4 Current information on the status of Butterflies and Moths on FC land
The Species Action Plan for Butterflies on Forestry Commission Land was
published in 2000. The butterfly species information contained in that plan was
updated for the Conservation Strategy and information on moths was included.
The list for moths is still not exhaustive; however, further survey effort for moths
within FC woodlands is to be encouraged and records of scarce and threatened
species should be forwarded to Butterfly Conservation.
Following the UKBAP Review and NERC Act S41 designations a review of the
actions required was published and the actions involving FC are detailed in
this review (Section 3.2).
5.0
Prioritising and Grading Priority Sites
5.1
Methodology
Site Grading
All Priority Sites identified within this strategy review are important and collectively
represent the best sites for Lepidoptera across the Forestry Commission England
estate. In 2007 and for this review in 2012, sites have been graded using the
National Moth Recording Scheme and Butterfly Monitoring Scheme records*, a
further grading review will be required in 2017 to assess that efforts have been
directed at those sites which support the most vulnerable species and which would
have been most affected through lack of management.
Sites have been graded A, B or C depending on:




The status of the species (BAP or Species of Conservation Concern)
The degree to which the individual species depend on suitably managed
woodland habitats for their survival.
The number of species present.
The combined species score for an individual site**
Grade
Description
Species
Score **
>15
Grade A
Grade A sites are the highest priority sites. They support
at least one woodland BAP Priority Species that
depends on targeted and specific woodland
management operations such as ride management or
coppicing.
Grade B
Grade B sites support more generalist priority or species
of conservation concern that are not so dependent on
woodland habitats or management to maintain early
successional stages.
6-15
Grade C
Grade C sites also support more generalist priority or
species of conservation concern that are not so
dependent on woodland habitats or management to
maintain early successional stages. However they are
given lower priority because they support a less diverse
group of species or information regarding species is
lacking.
<6
* Strategy Sites polygons were used to extract both moth and butterfly data to
update the “Species Score” in 2012 for each strategy site using Map Info GIS.
** See Species Grading Appendix 1.
Species Grading
Appendix 1 details the NERC Section 41 and former Priority BAP Species and
Species of Conservation Concern recorded throughout the FC England Estate as
well as associated species scores used to Grade sites A, B or C.
Habitat Condition Assessment
The habitat condition score describes how suitable the habitat is for the specific
Lepidoptera present upon the site and how well the site is being managed for these
species. The habitat condition of most sites has not been assessed in this review
and will be recommended for the full review in 2017.
Forest District staff were responsible for providing the assessment in 2007 based
on advice from Butterfly Conservation as to the requirements of the species. The
condition assessments used are as follows:
Habitat
Condition
Favourable
Improving
Favourable
Unfavourable
Recovering
Unfavourable
No Change
Unfavourable
Declining
5.2
Description
The site is already in favourable condition and current ongoing
management efforts could only work to improve the site further.
The site is being managed appropriately for the Lepidoptera
species present.
Through appropriate management the site is beginning or is
predicted to show a move towards favourable condition,
however it has not yet reached favourable condition.
The site is in unfavourable condition but is neither declining nor
recovering. Further management is required to achieve
unfavourable recovering status.
The site has not been appropriately managed for Lepidoptera
for sometime or has undergone a damaging activity. Recovery
is possible and may occur if suitable management input is
made.
Distribution of sites by grading
The map and tables in Appendix 5 list the Priority Sites included in this Strategy
that were reviewed in 2012 together with the Grade and habitat condition of the
Site following the results. This information has been mapped on GIS and is
available on request. The data is held by the England Biodiversity Information
Officer to whom any updated information should also be sent.
The list of sites is not exhaustive, if key species are found on FC land that
are not listed here, Forest Districts are encouraged to consult with Butterfly
Conservation over management issues if necessary.
5.3 Results of Strategy Review 2012
Site Specific Priority Grading
Priority Site Grading has changed for 11 sites due to colonisations and extinctions
of priority species; an additional 24 sites have either increased or decreased their
Total Species Score with an average change in score of +/-10.
Of the 11 Priority Site Grade changes, 10 have been positive with 9 sites now
graded as A, where 5 woods were regraded from B to A and 4 from C to A, the
remaining positive change was from C to B. Of these 10 sites half are or have
been involved in a Butterfly Conservation Landscape project. The sites have been
re-graded due to a change in Lepidoptera interest, with 80% of sites been
colonised by a single species since 2007 and recorded in 2012 i.e. Dingy Mocha
(2) Drab Looper (3), Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1) and Pearl-bordered Fritillary
(2) (see Table 4.).
There have been two sites (20%) with a Priority Site Grade change from B to A
which have had more than one additional species recorded since 2007. The site
with the biggest ‘Species Score’ change of 116 is Chickerell Woods in the East
District were 7 new moth and 6 new butterfly species have been recorded. The
other site with a ‘Species Score’ change of 45 is Vernditch in the South District
which has had the following additional three species recorded since 2007; Drab
Looper, Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Red Lodge Wood, West District is the only site that has decreased in its grade with
a change from B to C due to Brown Hairstreak and White Letter Hairstreak not
recorded since 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Priority Species Colonisations and extinctions
Table 5 details the sites and additional species recorded since 2007 which has
increased their ‘Total Species Score’ but not affected the overall Priority Site
Grade. 58% of these sites are currently or have been involved in a Butterfly
Conservation Landscape project. 70% of the sites with an increase in the ‘Total
Species Score’ has been due to a single species colonisation and recorded in
2012. The other 30% of sites have had from two to four additional species
recorded in 2012. The site which has had the most new species recorded is the
Forest of Dean (Highmeadow) in the West District.
The following tables detail the 11 Priority Site Grade changes and the change in
the ‘Total Species Score’ on an additional 24 sites of which 17 have increased and
7 decreased but did not result in a grade change (see Section 3 & 5).
Site Name
FC
District
2012
Butterfly
Conservation
Project Name
Site
Grade
2007
Site
Grade
2012
Change
in Total
Species
Score
Species
Not
Recorded
2012
White
Letter
Hairstreak
Additional
Species
Recorded
Since 2007
Chicksands
Woods
East
Vernditch
South
Charlton
South
Eartham Woods
South
South East
Woods
Dukes on the
Edge
South East
Woods
Houghton Wood
South
South East
Woods
C
A
15
Ribbesford Wood
Tidenham Chase
Woods
West
Midlands
Fritillary
C
A
15
West
C
A
15
West
C
A
15
Drab Looper
Small Pearlbordered
Fritillary
South
B
A
5
Dingy Mocha
South
C
B
5
Cann Wood, Plym
Forest
Moreton
Park & Queen
Copse
Red Lodge Wood
Chicksands
Woods-Additional
Species=
West
B
A
116
B
A
45
X7 moths, x6
butterflies
Drab Looper,
Pearlbordered
Fritillary, Duke
of Burgundy
B
A
15
Drab Looper
B
A
15
Drab Looper
B
C
-8
Pearlbordered
Fritillary
Pearlbordered
Fritillary
Dingy Mocha
White
Letter
Hairstreak,
Brown
Hairstreak
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
Brown Hairstreak, Purple Emperor, Argent & Sable, Common Fan-foot, Clay Fan-foot,
White-line Snout, Waved Carpet, Drab Looper, Coleophora wockeella
Table 4. Priority Site Grade Changes
Site Name
Forest of Dean
(Highmeadow)
Great
Plantation
Somerford
Common
FC
District
2012
Site
Grade
2007
Site
Grade
2012
Change
in Total
Species
Score
Argent and Sable
Drab Looper
A
A
36
West
Saving Devons
Precious
Pearls
A
A
19
A
A
19
A
A
15
South
Whiteley
Pastures
(formally Botley
Wood)
Cannock
Chase
Stonedown
South
Central
South
Dukes on the
Edge
South East
Woods
Still being
assessed
A
A
Grizzled
Skipper
Dark Green
Fritillary
A
A
A
A
15
15
A
A
15
A
A
13
A
A
A
A
6
5
South
A
A
5
West
A
A
5
B
B
3
Grayling
Squarespotted Clay
A
A
B
B
1
Grizzled
Skipper
B
B
1
West
Herefordshire
Wood White
Project
Saving Devons
Precious
Pearls
Herefordshire
Wood White
Project
(part) HLS
North Wood
West
Dymock Woods
Friston Forest
Wareham
Forest
Forest of Dean
(Drybrook Rd
Station etc)
Bedford
Purlieus
West
East
Dalby Forest
Waverley Wood
& Weston
Wood
Yorkshire
WREN; BIFFA
North York
Moore Dukes
and Pearls
West
Midlands
Fritillary
Shrawley Wood
West
Central
Additional Species
Recorded Since
2007
15
West
West
Species Not
Recorded
2012
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary, Drab
Looper, Fletchers
Pug, Common Fanfoot
Small Pearlbordered
Fritillary,White
Admiral,Silverwashed Fritillary
Duke of Burgundy,
Marsh Fritillary
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Possible Pearlbordered Fritillary
colonisastion or
unauthourised
introduction
Herefordshire
Wood White
Project
Grovely Wood
Wigmore Rolls
Butterfly
Conservation
Project Name
Table 5. Priority Site Increases in Total Species Score
White Letter
Hairstreak
Dark Green
Fritillary,
Silverwashed
Fritillary,
?Dingy
Skipper,
Grizzled
Skipper
Argent and
Sable
Drab Looper
Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
Barred Toothstriped, Fletchers
Pug, Wood White
Olive Crsent
Dingy Mocha
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary ,
Dichomeris ustellala
White Letter
Hairstreak
Silver-washed
Fritillary
Schiffermullerina
grandis
Site Name
FC
District
2012
Butterfly
Conservation
Project Name
Site
Grade
2007
Site
Grade
2012
Change
in Total
Species
Score
Species Not
Recorded 2012
Chiddingfold
Parkhurst
Forest
Blackdown
Forest
South
South East Woods
A
A
-45
South
South East Woods
A
A
-15
A
A
-10
Argent and Sable,
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Brown Hairstreak,
Marsh Fritillary
Lydford
West
A
A
-5
Grizzled Skipper
A
A
-2
Grizzled Skipper
A
A
-1
A
A
-1
Dark Green Fritillary
Silver-washed
Fritillary
West
Oversley Wood
Mortimer
Forest
West
Purslow Wood
West
West
Herefordshire Wood
White Project
Herefordshire Wood
White Project
Conserving the Wood
White butterfly
Table 6. Priority Site Decreases in Total Species Score
Additional
Species
Recorded
Since
2007
5.4
Summary Statistics 2012/13
Forest
District
Central
Total
21
Grade
A
Woods
13
Grade
B
Woods
4
Grade
C
Woods
4
Total number
of sites
assessed as
“Favourable”
habitat
condition
2007
BAP Priority Species that are principally woodland species and require urgent targeted
management:
7
Argent & Sable, Wood White, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
East
34
16
10
8
15
Basil Thyme Case-bearer, Lunar Yellow Underwing, Duke of Burgundy, Heath Fritillary,
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Wood White
North
12
8
0
4
5
Duke of Burgundy, High brown fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
South
27
15
8
4
15
Argent & Sable, Coleophera wockeella, Drab Looper, Duke of Burgundy, Pearlbordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Wood White
West
34
26
4
4
16
Drab Looper, Duke of Burgundy, Heath Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Wood White
Westonbrit
1
0
1
0
0
Yorkshire
7
7
0
0
3
Argent & Sable, Duke of Burgundy, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
TOTAL
136
85
27
24
61
6.0
References
Bourn N A D, Bulman C R (2005) Landscape scale conservation, theory into
practice. In: Kuhn E, Feldmann R, Thomas J A, Settele J (eds) Studies on the
Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies in Europe. Vol 1: General Concepts and
Case Studies, pp111-112, Butterfly Conservation, Wareham, Dorset
Clarke, S. A., Green, D. G., Bourn, N. A. & Hoare, D. J. 2011 Woodland
Management for butterflies and moths: a best practice guide. Butterfly
Conservation, Wareham.
Defra. 2006. Working with the grain of nature - taking it forward: volume I & II. Full
report on progress under the England Biodiversity Strategy 2002 - 2006. Defra,
London.
Ellis, S. Bourn, N. A. D. And Bulman, C. R. 2012 Landscape-scale conservation for
butterflies and moths: lessons from the UK. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham,
Dorset.
Feber, R.E., Brereton, T.M., Warren, M.S. & Oates, M. 2001. The impact of deer on
woodland butterflies: the good, the bad and the complex. Forestry. Vol 74. No 3,
pg 271 – 276.
Fox, R., Asher, J., Brereton, T., Roy, D. & Warren, M.S. 2006a. The State of
Butterflies in Britain and Ireland, Pisces Publications, Oxford.
Fox, R., Conrad, K.F., Parsons, M.S., Warren, M.S & Woiwod, I.P. 2006b. The
State of Britain’s larger moths. Butterfly Conservation and Rothamsted Research,
Wareham.
Fox, R., Parsons, M. S., Chapman, J. W., Woiwood, I. P., Warren, M. S. & Brooks,
D. R. 2013 The State of Britains Larger Moths 2013. Butterfly Conservation and
Rothemsted Research, Wareham, Dorset
Fox, R., Brereton, T. M., Asher, J., Botham, M, S., Middlebrook, I., Roy, D. B> and
Warren, M. S. 2011 The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2011. Butterfly Conservation
and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wareham, Dorset
Green, D.G. 2000. The Status of Lepidoptera in the New Forest: A report for the
Forestry Commission by Butterfly Conservation. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.
Hanski 1998 Metapopulation Dynamics. Nature. Vol 396. Pg41-49
Liley, D., Brereton, T & Roy, D. 2004. The Current Level of Butterfly Monitoring in
UK Woodlands: And potential use of the data as a Biodiversity indicator to Inform
Sustainable Forestry. Butterfly Conservation Report to the Forestry Commission.
Butterfly Conservation Report S04-35, Wareham.
Thomas, J. Telfer, M.G., Roy, D.R., Preston, C.D., Greenwood, J.J.D., Asher, J.,
Fox, R., Clarke, R.T. & Lawton, J.H. 2004. Comparative Losses of British
Butterflies, Birds and Plants and the Global Extinction Crisis. Science. Vol 303. pp
1879-1881.
Appendix 4 only:
DEFRA (2011) Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem
Services. DEFRA, London, 2011.
DEFRA (2013) Government Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement –
Incorporating the Government’s Response to the Independent Panel on Forestry’s
Final Report. DEFRA, January 2013.
Forestry Commission (2011) The United Kingdom Forestry Standard – The
Governments’ Approach to Sustainable Forestry. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh,
2011.
Forestry Commission (2011) Forests and Biodiversity – UK Forestry Standard
Guidelines. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh, 2011.
HMSO (2011) The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature. DEFRA, 2011.
Independent Panel on Forestry (2012) Independent Panel on Forestry – Final
Report. Independent Panel on Forestry, July 2012.
Lawton, J.H. et al. (2010) Making Space for Nature: a Review of England’s Wildlife
Sites and Ecological Networks. Report to DEFRA. September 2010.
7.0
Useful reading
Specific species reports for certain areas are also available and can be requested
from Butterfly Conservation please see examples from the list below:
Asher, J., Warren, M.S., Fox, R., Harding, P., Jeffcoate, G & Jeffcoate, S. 2001.
The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press,
Oxford.
Bulman, C. 2007. Woodlands – a vital habitat for butterflies and moths. Quarterly
Journal of Forestry. Vol 101. pp 29-39
Defra Factsheets are available for most BAP Priority Lepidoptera species with
habitat management recommendations included. These are available from Butterfly
Conservation or can be downloaded from the website www.butterflyconservation.org
Ellis, S. 2005. Conservation of the Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina) butterfly on
the North York Moors 2005. Butterfly Conservation Report S05-37, Wareham.
Ellis, S. 2005. Conservation of the Pearl-Bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne)
butterfly on the North York Moors 2005. Butterfly Conservation Report S05-36,
Wareham.
Ferris, R. & Carter, C. 2000. Managing Rides, Roadsides and Edge Habitats in
Lowland Forests Bulletin 123. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
Haggett, G.M. 2006. Basil Thyme Case-bearer moth (Coleophora tricolor
Walsingham, 1899) in the Norfolk and Suffolk Breck. Research and survey 2005.
Butterfly Conservation Report S06-01, Wareham.
Joy, J. 2005 Argent & Sable (Rheumaptera hastata) in Herefordshire. Update
2003-2004. Butterfly Conservation S05-16, Wareham.
Joy, J. 2006. Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) in the Wyre Forest
2006. Adult Monitoring Report. Butterfly Conservation Report S06-17, Wareham.
Joy, J. 2006. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) in the Cannock Chase
area 2006. Butterfly Conservation Report S06-1, Wareham.
McCracken, M. & Bulman, C. 2006. Pearl-bordered Fritillary Habitat management:
An experiment into using Kerb®TM herbicide in North Wood, Devon to improve
suitability for butterflies. Butterfly Conservation Report S06 -21, Wareham.
Parsons, M.S., Hoare, D., Davis, T. & Green, D. 2005. The distribution of the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan Priority moth species, 1999-2004. Atropos, No. 25: 5-20.
Various Authors. 1995-98. Priority Species Action Plans. Butterfly Conservation,
Wareham. Also available from our website www.butterfly-conservation.org
Wainwright, D. 2005. Conserving the Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) in North East
England. Butterfly Conservation Report S05-34, Wareham.
Wigglesworth, T.B. (ed) 2005. Action for the Brown Hairstreak: sharing good
practice. Proceedings from a Butterfly Conservation Seminar. Butterfly
Conservation Report S05-04, Wareham.
Wigglesworth, T., Bulman, C & Bourn, N. 2005. Forest Enterprise Species Action
Plan for Butterflies on Forestry Commission Land - Review of progress 2000-2005.
Butterfly Conservation Report S05-15, Wareham.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this report, particularly Butterfly
Conservation Regional Officers and branch members who completed species
forms and also all the Forestry Commission England staff who attended and
contributed to Forest District meetings and completed questionnaires. Thanks also
to all those who commented on the text and structure of the document. Forestry
Commission England, David Green and David Grundy provided the photographs.
Appendix 1: Species Grading
Lepidoptera featuring in this Strategy have been given a score according to their
conservation status and their dependence on the active management of woodland
habitats.
The following table lists these species together with the score with which they have
been attributed. This list is intended to be a base, on which Forestry Commission
England and Butterfly Conservation can build throughout the Strategy period.
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species that require urgent targeted
management:
Species Score
Argent & Sable
Basil Thyme Case-bearer
Betony Case-bearer
Drab Looper
Duke of Burgundy
Heath Fritillary
High-Brown Fritillary
Lunar Yellow Underwing
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Wood White
Rheumaptera hastata
Coleophora tricolor
Coleophora wockeella
Minoa murinata
Hamearis lucina
Mellicta athalia
Argynnis adippe
Noctua orbona
Boloria euphrosyne
Moth
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Moth
Butterfly
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Boloria selene
Butterfly
15
Leptidea sinapis
Butterfly
15
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a
secondary habitat but active management necessary:
Barberry Carpet
Barred Tooth-striped
Brown Hairstreak
Buttoned Snout*
Clay Fan-foot
Common Fan-foot
Dingy Mocha
Dingy Skipper
False Mocha
Grayling
Grizzled Skipper
Large Heath
Marsh Fritillary
Narrow-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth
Northern Brown Argus
Olive Crescent
Scarce Aspen Knot-horn
Scarce Aspen Midget moth
Silver-studded Blue
Speckled Footman
Square-spotted Clay*
Striped Lychnis
Waved Carpet*
Pareulype berberata
Trichopteryx polycommata
Thecla betulae
Hypena rostralis
Paracolax tristalis
Pechipogo strigilata
Cyclophora pendularia
Erynnis tages
Cyclophora porata
Hipparchia semele
Pyrgus malvae
Coenonympha tullia
Euphydryas aurinia
Hemaris tityus
Aricia artaxerxe
Trisateles emortualis
Phyllonorycter sagitella
Sciota hostilis
Plebeius argus
Coscinia cribraria
Xestia rhomboidea
Shargacucullia lychnitis
Hydrelia sylvata
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Species Score
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Moth
5
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
Moth
Moth
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:
Species Score
Dark Crimson Underwing
Heart Moth
Light Crimson Underwing
Scarce Merveille du Jour*
White Admiral
White-letter Hairstreak
White-line Snout*
White-spotted Pinion
Catocala sponsa
Dicycla oo
Catocala promissa
Moma alpium
Limenitis camilla
Satyrium w-album
Schrankia taenialis
Cosmia diffinis
Moth
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Other key species occurring in woodland:
Hyles gallii
Satyrium pruni
Moth
Butterfly
Species Score
1
1
Silver-washed Fritillary*
Triangle*
Hemaris fuciformis
Chortodes extrema
Argynnis aglaja
Dictiomeris ustalella
Elegia similella
Eupithecia egenaria
Oecophora bractella
Apatura iris
Phragmataecia castaneae
Salebriopsis albicilla
Schiffermuellerina grandis
Argynnis paphia
Heterogenea asella
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
Moth
Moth
Butterfly
Moth
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Welsh Clearwing*
White-banded Carpet*
Synanthedon scoliaeformis
Spargania luctuata
Moth
Moth
1
1
Bedstraw Hawk-moth*
Black Hairstreak*
Broad-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth*
Concolorous
Dark Green Fritillary*
*
*
Fletcher’s or Pauper Pug*
*
Purple Emperor*
Reed Leopard*
*
*
*Species not included in the NERC Section 41 list
Appendix 2. Lepidoptera found on Forestry Commission Land, their conservation status and requirements
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species that require urgent targeted management:
Biodiversity
Action Plan
UK list of
priority
species 2007
review
Biodiversity Lists –
Section 41 England
Common Name
Scientific
UKBAP
Status 2006
*Argent & Sable
Rheumaptera hastata
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
*Basil Thyme Casebearer
Coleophora tricolor
BAP Priority
Betony Case-bearer
Coleophora wockeella
Proposed
BAP Priority
*Drab Looper
Minoa murinata
BAP Priority
Wildlife and
Countryside Act
1981
Habitat
Conservation Requirements
England_NERC_list
Open woodland with birch re-growth
Maintain a constant supply of small birches (<2m) in
sunny situations. Short rotation coppice.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Found on unimproved Breck grassland
Ensure a year on year supply of Basil Thyme.
Ground disturbance may be needed.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Woodland rides where Betony occurs
Ensure annual continuity of foodplant.
England_NERC_list
Ancient woodland in open, sunny
situations and along ride edges.
Encourage larval foodplant. Rotational clearance of
ride margins, creation of box junctions and the
introduction of coppicing should occur where
appropriate.
UKBAP-2007
*Duke of Burgundy
Hamearis lucina
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
WACASch5_sect9
Woodland rides, glades and clearings
or tall grassland and scrub
Maintain open sunny clearings or grassy glades
with abundant Primroses or Cowslips growing as
large plants in prominent situations. Rotational
coppicing or ride cutting is ideal to link breeding
sites.
*Heath Fritillary
Mellicta athalia
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
WACASch5_sect9
Newly cleared or coppiced woodland
with abundant Cow-wheat
Regular coppicing essential, preferably with
broad interlinking rides.
Newly cleared woodland with sparse
vegetation or bracken slopes
Regular coppicing or scrub clearance is
essential on woodland sites. Bracken habitats
should ideally be grazed with cattle or ponies or
failing this cut periodically to prevent total
bracken dominance.
Grassy heathland rides in sunny young
woodland and regrowth in young conifer
plantations
Woodland rides should be kept open and sunny.
They should have a marginal strip of longer grassy
vegetation and be cut on rotation, not all in one year.
Newly cleared woodlands or sunny
rides with sparse vegetation and
violets
Regular coppicing is ideal or regular clearing in
deciduous woodlands with numerous broad,
sunny rides. Maintenance of bracken cover may
be essential.
Sunny clearings or grassy rides with
damp, lush vegetation and violets
Maintenance of numerous open, sunny rides and
glades, especially in damper areas. Regular
woodland clearance or coppicing is highly
beneficial. Keeping a light cover of bracken
essential in some breeding habitats.
Woodland rides, edges and light scrub
Maintenance of numerous open rides and careful
management of ride edges and scrub. Piecemeal
cutting of ride edges on a 1-6 year rotation.
*High-Brown Fritillary
Argynnis adippe
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Lunar Yellow Underwing
Noctua orbona
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Boloria euphrosyne
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Boloria selene
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Wood White
Leptidea sinapis
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
WACASch5_sect9
WACASch5_sect9
WACASch5_sect9
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a secondary habitat but active management necessary:
Biodiversity
Action Plan
UK list of
priority
species 2007
review
Biodiversity Lists –
Section 41 England
Wildlife and
Countryside Act
1981
WACA-Sch5_sect9
Common Name
Scientific
UKBAP
Status 2006
*Barberry Carpet
Pareulype berberata
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Barred Tooth-striped
Trichopteryx
polycommata
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
Brown Hairstreak
Thecla betulae
Proposed
BAP Priority
*Buttoned Snout
Hypena rostralis
BAP Priority
Clay Fan-foot
Paracolax tristalis
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
UKBAP-2007
Habitat
Conservation Requirements
Mainly open hedgerows or wood
edges
Retain all hedges containing Barberry & plant
new bushes if possible. Rotational winter
pruning.
England_NERC_list
Wild Privet in open woodland and
ride edges on chalk or limestone
Widening of narrow, neglected rides. Cut
Privet on rotation; do not cut all in one year.
Maintain stands of Privet where possible.
England_NERC_list
Wood edges and hedgerows with
abundant young growth of Blackthorn
Retain all hedges, especially those with
blackthorn. Cut hedges on rotations not shorter
than 2 or 3 years. Avoid annual flailing at all
costs.
Hedgerows and along footpaths,
hollow trees and Ivy clad trees
Where the species occur plants should not be
disturbed and continuity of good stands of Hop
promoted.
England_NERC_list
Sunny but sheltered felled or coppiced
areas in broadleaved woodland
Poorly understood requirements.
Regular woodland management such as
long-term coppice rotation is desirable.
Fallen trees or branches, such as oak with
leaves on should be left in situ.
WACA-Sch5_sect9
*Common Fan-foot
Pechipogo strigilata
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Open woodland and recently
abandoned coppice
*Dingy Mocha
Cyclophora pendularia
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Heathland and damp grassland where
sallow bushes occur
Provide continual supply of small isolated smallleaved sallow bushes that are not heavily
shaded.
*Dingy Skipper
Erynnis tages
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Woodland rides and clearings
Maintain open rides and carefully manage
ride edges and scrub.
False Mocha
Cyclophora porata
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Scrubby oak and oak coppice in
woodlands. Long established areas of
habitat
Ensure continuity of scrubby oak and oak
coppice regrowth in warm sheltered situations.
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Inland colonies found on dry
heathland and in open woodland on
stony ground
Maintain open woodland with bare ground in
open positions.
*Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus malvae
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Woodland rides and clearings
Maintenance of numerous open rides and
careful management of ride edges and
scrub.
*Large Heath
Coenonympha tullia
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Open, wet areas. Lowland raised
bogs, upland blanket bogs and
damp acidic moorland
Maintain high water table. No grazing where
possible otherwise a light and extensive
grazing regime.
WACASch5_sect9
UKBAP
Status 2006
Biodiversity
Action Plan
UK list of
priority
species 2007
review
Biodiversity Lists –
Section 41 England
Wildlife and
Countryside Act
1981
Habitat
Conservation Requirements
WACASch5_sect9
Open grassland adjacent to
woodland
Maintain open, sunny areas of shorter
vegetation with Devil’s-bit Scabious
Open grassland adjacent to woodland
Maintain open, sunny areas of shorter
vegetation with Devil’s-bit Scabious
Sheltered, well-drained,
unimproved grassland.
Maintain uneven sward and light winter
grazing
Common Name
Scientific
*Marsh Fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
BAP Priority
Species
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Narrow-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth
Hemaris tityus
BAP Priority
Species
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*Northern Brown
Argus
Aricia artaxerxe
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Olive Crescent
Trisateles emortualis
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Mature woodland containing oaks and
Beech, favours ride edges and
clearings
Maintain open conditions within woodlands.
Fallen trees or branches such as oak with
leaves on should be left in situ.
Scarce Aspen Knothorn
Sciota hostilis
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Woodland supporting aspen
Ensure supply of aspen.
Scarce Aspen Midget
moth
Phyllonorycter sagitella
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Associated with aspen, possibly with a
preference for saplings
Maintain a continuity of aspen, including young
trees.
*Silver-studded Blue
Plebeius argus
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Lowland heathland, calcareous
grassland and sand dunes
Maintain short or sparse vegetation.
Speckled Footman
Coscinia cribraria
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Open heathland
Poorly understood requirements. Associated
with Bristle Bent in open sunny situations.
*Square-spotted Clay
Xestia rhomboidea
BAP Priority
Ancient woodland with a dense
coppice understory, scattered open
woodland
Maintain existing open areas with Common
Nettle, Oxslip and Dog’s Mercury.
*Striped Lychnis
Shargacucullia lychnitis
BAP Priority
Open calcareous grassland, road &
field verges
Do not cut when foodplant is in flower. Some
ground disturbance may be needed to retain
foodplant.
*Waved Carpet
Hydrelia sylvata
BAP Priority
Actively managed damp woodland
or scrub
Maintain or establish a coppice cycle in
woodland or scrub where the moth is found.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
WACASch5_sect9
WACASch5_sect9
Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:
Biodiversity
Action Plan
UK list of
priority
species 2007
review
Biodiversity Lists –
Section 41 England
Common Name
Scientific
UKBAP
Status 2006
*Dark Crimson
Underwing
Catocala sponsa
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
*Heart Moth
Dicycla oo
BAP Priority
*Light Crimson
Underwing
Catocala promissa
BAP Priority
Scarce Merveille du
Jour
Moma alpium
BAP Priority
*White Admiral
Limenitis camilla
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
*White-letter
Hairstreak
Satyrium w-album
Proposed
BAP Priority
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
White-line Snout
Schrankia taenialis
BAP Priority
*White-spotted Pinion
Cosmia diffinis
BAP Priority
Wildlife and
Countryside Act
1981
Habitat
Conservation Requirements
England_NERC_list
Large tracts of mature oak,
generally in open woodland
situations
Retain mature oak stands. Ensure a
continuity of mature oak trees in open
situations.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Parkland, and openly spaced trees
on woodland rides or edges
Retain mature oak stands and ensure a
continuity of mature oak trees in open
situations.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
Large tracts of mature oak,
generally in open woodland
situations
Retain mature oak stands. Ensure a
continuity of mature oak trees in open
situations.
Mature oak
Retain stands of mature oak and ensure a
continuity of supply of such situations.
Shady woodland and ride edges
Retain areas of deciduous woodland with
Honeysuckle in shady positions
Sheltered rides, glades and
unkempt hedges with elms
Retain and extend area of suckering elms.
Damp broad-leaved woodland,
coppiced woodland and conifer
plantations
Precise habitat requirements are not fully
understood, likely to prefer shady, sheltered
situations.
English Elm in parks, woodlands
and hedgerows
Retain healthy elm trees. Where possible
allow re-growth from tree stumps if infected
trees have been cut.
UKBAP-2007
England_NERC_list
WACASch5_sect9
Other key species occurring in woodland:
Common Name
Scientific
UKBAP
Status 2006
Bedstraw Hawk-moth
Hyles gallii
Key Species
BAP Species
of
conservation
concern
Nationally
Scarce
*Black Hairstreak
Satyrium pruni
Broad-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth
Hemaris fuciformis
Concolorous
Chortodes extrema
Red data book
*Dark Green Fritillary
Argynnis aglaja
Key Species
Dictiomeris ustalella
Provisional
Red data book
Elegia similella
Fletcher’s or Pauper
Pug
Eupithecia egenaria
Oecophora bractella
Nationally
Scarce
Red data book
species
Provisional
Red data book
Biodiversity
Action Plan UK
list of priority
species 2007
review/National
Red List
Biodiversity Lists –
Section 41 Country
Wildlife and
Countryside Act
1981
WACASch5_sect9
Endangered
Habitat
Disturbed ground with Rosebay
Willowherb
England_NERC_list
Endnagered
Notable-B
Rare
Marshy open clearing within lowland
ancient woodland
Woodland glades and open habitat
Maintain open sunny rides and glades.
Small-leaved Lime coppice
Coppice small-leaved lime.
Mature oak woods and parkland with
large oaks
Ancient lime wood and avenues of
lime
Larva feed in dead bark of decaying
wood
Maintain supply of large oak, possibly has a
preference for oaks in open situations.
Purple Emperor
Apatura iris
BAP
conservation
concern
Reed Leopard
Phragmataecia
castaneae
Red data book
species
Vulnerable
Fens, marshes and margins of ponds
Salebriopsis albicilla
Provisional
Red data book
Rare
Ancient lime woodland
Schiffermuellerina
grandis
Proposed BAP
Priority
BAP Species
of
conservation
concern
Red data book
species
*Silver-washed
Fritillary
Argynnis paphia
Triangle
Heterogenea asella
Welsh Clearwing
Synanthedon
scoliaeformis
Red data book
species
White-banded Carpet
Spargania luctuata
Nationally
Scarce
Near Threatened
WACASch5_sect9
Mature deciduous woodland with
abundant oaks and sallows
Deciduous ancient woodland and
hedgerows
Well thinned deciduous woodland
with sunny rides and glades
Rare
Rare
oak and beech woodland
Wales_NERC_list
Ensure annual continuity of foodplant.
Maintain patches of dense Blackthorn. Cut
extensive patches of Blackthorn on long
rotations to prevent from becoming
moribund.
Maintain rides and clearings where
Honeysuckle grows.
Maintain open marshy areas with Wood Smallreed.
Dense, tall stands of Blackthorn,
either within woods or in thick
hedgerows
Rides and clearings in open woodland
UKBAP-2007/
Rare
Conservation Requirements
Ensure continuity of flowering limes.
Retain dead wood.
Maintain extensive areas of broad-leaved
woodland with a scatter of large oak trees
and abundant sallows, both along ride
margins and within woodland blocks.
Avoid disturbance of habitat. Maintain constant
and annual supply of Common Reed. Maintain
existing water levels.
Retain a continuity of supply of Small-leaved
Lime.
Retain dead wood. Found especially on dry,
dead standing branches of oak, elm, Ivy and
gorse.
Regular thinning of deciduous high forest to
create dappled shade conditions, combined
with maintenance of sunny rides. Rotational
coppicing also suitable.
Maintain a continuity of supply of large oak
and/or beeches.
Open birch woodland and scrub on
hillsides of wet, acidic pasture and
moorland
Ensure supply of mature birches in open sunny
situations.
Woodland rides and clearings
Maintain annual supply of foodplant in open
situations. Some ground disturbance may be
required.
*Species Factsheets containing further details on the conservation requirements of these species are available from Butterfly Conservation or are available to download from:
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/conbio/defrafactsheets/index.html
Species in bold type are species identified by DEFRA as Habitat Specialist Indicators (26). The purpose of these indicators is to help assess outcomes Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for Englands Wildlife and
Ecosystem Services, October 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-biodiversity-indicators
Appendix 3. National Summary of Forest District Priority Sites by
Designation
Appendix 3. National Summary of Forest District Priority Sites by Designation 2012/13
Category
Total area of FC England landholding
Estimated area of Priority Butterfly Sites
Year
260143ha
100%
1610 – 8050ha*
0.6 – 3%
2012/13
2007
2012/13
2007
Number of Priority Lepidoptera sites
136
140
100%
100%
Priority Lepidoptera Sites with SSSI designation**
76
60
56%
49%
Priority Lepidoptera Sites with designation SPA**
24
24
17%
17%
Priority Lepidoptera Sites with SAC designation**
30
8
22%
6%
108***
103
79%
75%
Priority Lepidoptera Sites with Ancient
Woodland**
* Sites have been named according to Forestry Commission England woodland
blocks or areas, not all land within blocks will be suitable for Lepidoptera. An
estimate of the potential area that may be occupied by Lepidoptera is given.
** The SSSI, SPA, SAC or Ancient Woodland designation may not cover all of a
Priority Lepidoptera Site and in some cases the actual location of Priority Species
may fall outside the boundary of the designated sites. Designation status was
assessed using GIS FC site boundaries and Natural England inventory 2013
boundaries.
*** There were 54 sites designated as PAWS and 54 sites designated as ASNW
according to the Natural England inventory 2013 GIS layer.
Appendix 4: Key policies & strategies affecting Forestry and Biodiversity
post-2010
The following policy and strategy documents have been published since the
change of administration and subsequent spending review in 2010 with each
influencing the delivery of forestry and biodiversity management on the public
forest estate and in turn the conservation of Lepidoptera and their associated
habitats.
Making Space for Nature – a Review of England’s Wildlife Sites
This report published in September 2010 was headed up by Sir John Lawton and
provided an independent review of England’s wildlife sites and the connections
between them. The report included recommendations to help achieve a healthy
natural environment that will allow plants and animals to thrive. The report made
the following key points for establishing a strong and connected natural
environment:



That we better protect and manage our designated wildlife sites;
That we establish new ecological restoration zones;
That we better protect our non-designated wildlife sites.
The Natural Environment White Paper
The Natural Environment White Paper The Natural Choice: Securing the Value
of Nature was published in 2011 and outlines the Government’s vision for the
natural environment over the next 50 years. It also describes the action that will be
taken to deliver that goal. In all some 92 commitments are provided in annex 1 of
the document.
Biodiversity 2020
The Biodiversity 2020 Strategy launched in 2011 guides the Governments
conservation efforts in England up to 2020 including setting an ambition to halt
overall biodiversity loss in England by 2020 with a long-term ambition of moving
from a position of net biodiversity loss to net gain.
United Kingdom Forestry Standard
The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the reference standard for sustainable
forest management in the UK (Forestry Commission 2011). The document was
updated in 2011 and is accompanied by separate theme specific guidelines
including Forests and Biodiversity (Forestry Commission 2011).
Independent Panel on Forestry – Final Report
The Independent Panel on Forestry was created in March 2011 after the
public debate over the future of the public forest estate. Following the
release of an interim report the final report was presented to Government in
July 2012. This final report covers both public and private forestry and
woodland and champions a
vibrant future for forestry and woodland in England by providing a series of
recommendations to help achieve this.
Government Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement
The Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement published in January 2013
incorporates the Governments response to the Independent panel on Forestry’s
Final Report. The policy is based around a clear hierarchy of priorities: protecting,
improving and expanding our public and private woodland assets. A Woodland
Policy Enabling Programme (WPEP) was developed as a joint DEFRA/Forestry
Commission initiative that will oversee the delivery of the Government commitments
set out in the Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement.
Woodland Policy Enabling Programme
The Woodland Policy Enabling Programme (WPEP) brings together the three
main strands of work coming out of the Government’s forestry and woodlands
policy statement:



Setting up the new Public Forest Estate Management Organisation
(PFEMO);
Considering the future of the Forestry Commission’s forestry functions;
Cross-border forestry services.
Appendix 5i. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by
FC District 2012
CENTRAL
SITE NAME
Bardney Limewoods
Bedford Purlieus
Bishop's Wood
Burnt Wood
Cannock Chase
Fermyn Woods and Titchmarsh
Woods
Fineshade Wood
Hardwick & Sywell Wood
Harry's Park
Hazleborough Main block
(includes, Bucknell,
Hazleborough and Brackley
hatch)
Hugsett Wood
Plumpton
Salcey Forest
Wakerley Great Wood
Wellow Park
West Wood
Whistley Wood
Whitfield
Whitwell Wood
Wicken Wood & Park Copse
Yardley Chase
EAST
Abbots Wood
Battle Great Wood
Beckley Wood
Bedgebury
Bernwood Forest
Burwash
Chicksands Woods
Clowes Wood
College and Home Wood
Cranwich Camp
Darwell Wood
Denge Wood
Dunwich Forest
Friston Forest
Frosts Common
Hills and Holes
Homefield
Horsford Wood
Hurst Fen (Mildenhall)
Kings Forest
SITE
GRADE
2007
A
B
A
A
A
SITE
GRADE
2012/13
A
B
A
A
A
Total Species
Score change
2007-2012
0
3
0
0
15
A
B
A
A
A
B
A
A
0
0
0
0
Northants
Northants
Northants
Northants
A
C
C
A
B
C
C
A
A
B
A
A
A
C
C
A
B
C
C
A
A
B
A
A
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Northants
Sherwood
Northants
Northants
Northants
Sherwood
Northants
Northants
Northants
Sherwood
Northants
Northants
A
C
A
C
A
B
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
B
C
A
C
B
A
A
C
A
C
A
B
B
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
B
C
A
C
B
A
0
0
0
0
0
0
116
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
FORMER FC
DISTRICT
Sherwood
Northants
West Midlands
West Midlands
West Midlands
South East England
South East England
South East England
South East England
South East England
South East England
Northants
South East England
Northants
East Anglia
South East England
South East England
East Anglia
South East England
East Anglia
East Anglia
South East England
East Anglia
East Anglia
East Anglia
EAST
SITE
GRADE
2007
SITE
GRADE
2012/13
Total Species
Score change
2007-2012
Maresfield (High and Park
Wood) NB-Part disposal
Marsham Wood
Maulden Wood
Orlestone Forest
Potton Wood
Rendlesham Forest
Sheffield Forest
St Leonards
Tunstall Forest
Washers & Dainty
Wendover
West Harling Woods
C
C
A
A
B
A
C
B
A
B
B
A
C
C
A
A
B
A
C
B
A
B
B
A
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
South East England
East Anglia
Northants
South East England
Northants
East Anglia
South East England
South East England
East Anglia
Northants
South East England
East Anglia
West Toffs Pit
Wilstead Wood
C
B
C
B
0
0
East Anglia
Northants
NORTH
Barrowfield & Honeybee Wood
Chopwell Woods
Dalton Crags
Fourlaws (Aid Moss)
Grizedale Forest
Hampsfield Fell
Hamsterley Forest
Harbottle and Holystone Burn
High Stand
Kielder Forest
A
C
A
A
A
A
C
C
C
A
A
C
A
A
A
A
C
C
C
A
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
North West
Kielder
North West
Kielder
North West
North West
Kielder
Kielder
North West
Kielder
Underlaid
Whitbarrow
A
A
A
A
0
0
North West
North West
Alice Holt Forest
Ampfield Wood
Ashmore (formerly Stubhampton
Bottom and Washers Pit)
Bouldnor Copse
Bramshill
Brighstone Forest
C
B
C
B
0
0
South East England
South East England
A
A
C
B
A
A
C
B
0
0
0
0
New Forest
South East England
South East England
South East England
Charlton
A
B
15
South East England
Chiddingfold
Combley Great Wood
(Briddlesford Copses)
Crowthorne Woods/Swinley
Park
Eartham Woods
Firestone Copse
A
A
-45
South East England
B
B
0
South East England
B
A
C
B
B
C
0
15
0
South East England
South East England
South East England
SITE NAME
FORMER FC
DISTRICT
SOUTH
SOUTH
SITE
GRADE
2007
B
SITE
GRADE
2012/13
B
Total Species
Score change
2007-2012
0
Grovely Wood
Hethfelton Wood
Houghton Wood
Moreton
A
B
A
A
A
B
C
B
15
0
15
5
New Forest
New Forest
South East England
New Forest
New Forest (Church Place, Park
Grounds, Pond Head, Brockishill,
Busketts Lawn, Woodfidley Ride
and Perrywood Hasley, New
Copse, Holmsley, Wootton and
Brownhills, Hawkhill & Parkhill)
Park & Queen Copse
Parkhurst Forest
Rempstone
Stonedown
Vernditch
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
C
A
B
A
B
0
5
-15
0
15
45
New Forest
New Forest
South East England
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
A
A
A
A
5
0
New Forest
South East England
A
A
15
South East England
WEST
Arley Wood
Blackdown Forest
Blakeridge Wood
Bucknell Wood
Cann Wood, Plym Forest
C
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
C
0
-10
0
0
15
West Midlands
Peninsula
West Midlands
West Midlands
Peninsula
Cookworthy
Dunmere
Dymock Woods
Eastridge Wood
A
C
A
C
A
C
A
C
0
0
6
0
Peninsula
Peninsula
Forest of Dean
West Midlands
Forest of Dean (Drybrook Rd
Station, Serridge Green, Linear
Park, Moseley Green, Gorsty Knoll,
Lightmoor Colliery, Plump Hill,
Shake Mantle Quarry, Crabtree Hill,
Clearwell Meend, Point Quarry,
Bromley Hil Area, Wigpool).
Forest of Dean (Highmeadow)
Great Plantation
Haldon Forest
Haugh Wood
Herrods Foot Woods
Hopton Wood
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
5
36
19
0
0
0
0
Forest of Dean
Forest of Dean
Peninsula
Peninsula
Forest of Dean
Peninsula
West Midlands
SITE NAME
Forest of Bere
Wareham Forest
West Wood
Whiteley Pastures (formally Botley
Wood)
FORMER FC DISTRICT
South East England
WEST
SITE
GRADE
2007
SITE
GRADE
2012/13
Total Species
Score change
2007-2012
Lydford
Mortimer Forest
Nether Wood
North Wood
Oversley Wood
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
-5
-1
0
13
-2
Peninsula
West Midlands
Forest of Dean
Peninsula
West Midlands
Purslow Wood
Radnor and Bury Ditches
Red Lodge Wood
Ribbesford Wood
Savernake Forest
Shelve Woodland
Shobdon (inc. Mere Hill and
Sned)
A
A
C
A
B
B
A
A
B
C
B
B
-1
0
-8
15
0
0
West Midlands
West Midlands
Forest of Dean
West Midlands
Forest of Dean
West Midlands
A
A
0
West Midlands
Shrawley Wood
Somerford Common
B
A
B
A
1
19
West Midlands
Forest of Dean
Tidenham Chase Woods
Waverley Wood & Weston Wood
A
B
C
B
15
1
Forest of Dean
West Midlands
Wigmore Rolls
Wyre Forest
A
A
A
A
15
0
West Midlands
West Midlands
WESTONBIRT
Westonbirt Arboretum
B
B
0
Glouc.
Bishop Wood
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
Bumble Wood
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
Cropton Forest & Newtondale
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
Dalby Forest
A
A
1
North Yorkshire Moors
Harwood Dale Forest
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
Langdale Forest
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
Sneaton Forest
A
A
0
North Yorkshire Moors
SITE NAME
FORMER FC
DISTRICT
YORKSHIRE
LIGHT GREY = CHANGE IN PRIORITY SITE GRADE
VERY LIGHT GREY = CHANGE IN SPECIES SCORE
Appendix 5ii. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by
FC District 2012 associated maps and tables
Distribution map of the Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in
England 2013
Central Forest District
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Edwinstowe
Mansfield
Notts
NG21 9JL
Central District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site Name County
Bardney
Limewoods
Lincolnshire
BC Branch
Lincolnshire
FDP Name
Bardney
FDP
FDP
FDP Expiry
Review
Number Date
Date
61
Staffordshire
West Midlands
Cannock
1
31/03/2015 01/04/2007
Bishop's Wood
Staffordshire
West Midlands
North Staffs
3
20/12/2016 20/12/2011
Staffordshire
3
Monitoring
2012
29/10/2022 29/10/2017
Cannock Chase
Burnt Wood
BC
Project
West Midlands
North Staffs
6
26/10/2016 31/03/2011
6
Still being
assessed
Grid Ref
Designati
Area
on 2007
TF120743
Part SSSI, 1229 (12 NNR
61)
SPBF Timed
2346 (23 counts
SK000164 Part SSSI
117)
annually
Species
Survey
SJ753312
N/A
351(4 18)
Identified as
national
SJ736352 Part SSSI 88 (1 - 4)
monitoring site
for Argent
20/12/2016 20/12/2011
Moths 2012
Moth
Score
2012
0
Argent & Sable,
Welsh Clearwing
16
Argent & Sable
15
Argent & Sable
Butterflies 2012
Wood White, White Admiral, Whiteletter Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak,
Black Hairstreak
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy
Skipper
15
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
27
27
A
Habitat
Condition
2012
Unfavourable,
recovering
Notes 2012
Regular Limewood management
meetings. Recording reports
produced.
20
36
A
Historic records of Argent & Sable.
A&S recorded after strategy was
written. Welsh Clearwing recorded on
part on Cannock Chase in 2005. SPBF
timed counts done annually . Need to
Favourable
continue collaborative working here
(SITA Trust bid in preparation by Staffs
WT in collaboration with partners
including BC) so suggest 6 days per
annum for the first 3 years as this area
still has a way to go.
0
15
A
Favourable
A&S last record 2005
Used to support a good variety of
moths. Some species may still be
present. Identified as national
monitoring site for Argent & Sable.
A&S 2006&2005
0
15
A
Unfavourable,
recovering
Incorporat
es
SP979835 Sudborou
gh Green
SSSI
384 (4 19)
0
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Purple Emperor, Black
Hairstreak
18
18
A
No active management, very poor ride
Unfavourable,
condition. Populations appear stable at
declining
this time
26/10/2016 31/03/2011
SP942873
N/A
232 (2 12)
0
Wood White, Black Hairstreak
20
20
A
Unfavourable,
declining
9
10/01/2018 09/01/2013
SP804511
Part SSSI
& NR
496 (5 25)
0
Wood White, White Admiral, Whiteletter Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary, Black Hairstreak
23
23
A
Favourable
9
10/01/2018 09/01/2013
SITA
SP847529 Part SSSI 143 (1 - 7)
3
Wood White, White Admiral, Whiteletter Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak
22
25
A
Favourable
Sywell &
Hardwick
8
31/03/2017
SITA
SP827696
N/A
137 (1 - 7)
0
Wood White, White Admiral
16
16
A
Unfavourable,
declining
Upper Thames
Whittlewood
Forest
12
11/12/2018 13/12/2013
SP642392
N/A
38 (0 - 2)
0
Wood White, White Admiral, Whiteletter Hairstreak
21
21
A
Unfavourable,
declining
Northants
Beds & Northants
Whittlewood
Forest
12
11/12/2018 13/12/2013
SP651429
N/A
590 (6 30)
1
Wood White, White Admiral, Purple
Emperor
19
20
A
Unfavourable,
declining
Whistley Wood
Northants
Beds & Northants
Whittlewood
Forest
12
11/12/2018 13/12/2013
SP610415
N/A
74 (1 -4)
0
Wood White, White Admiral
18
18
A
Unfavourable,
declining
Wicken Wood &
Park Copse
Northants
Beds & Northants
Whittlewood
Forest
12
11/12/2018 13/12/2013
SP731401
N/A
99 (1 - 5)
0
Wood White, White Admiral, Whiteletter Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak
22
22
A
Unfavourable,
declining
Fermyn Woods and
Titchmarsh Woods
Northants
Beds & Northants
Rockingham
Forest
Harry's Park
Northants
Beds & Northants
Rockingham
Forest
Salcey Forest
Northants
Salcey Forest,
Beds & Northants Yardley Chase
& West
Yardley Chase
Northants
Salcey Forest,
Beds & Northants Yardley Chase
& West
Hardwick & Sywell
Wood
Northants
Beds & Northants
Whitfield
Bucks
Hazleborough Main
block (includes,
Bucknell,
Hazleborough and
Brackley hatch)
WREN;
BIFFA
Heart Moth
Concolorous
Historic records for Common Fan-foot,
Heart moth & Square-spotted Clay.
Wood White declining
Not recently visited for Lepidoptera
survey
Additional 2012-2017
Central District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site Name County
BC Branch
FDP Name
FDP
FDP
FDP Expiry
Review
Number Date
Date
BC
Project
Monitoring
2012
Grid Ref
Designati
Area
on 2007
Moths 2012
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
Habitat
Condition
2012
Notes 2012
Historic records Barred Tooth-striped,
Unfavourable,
Chalk Carpet, Argent & Sable,
recoverin Bordered Gothic, Four-spotted, Whitespotted Pinion
TL040995
SSSI
207 (2 10)
Concolorous
6
White-letter Hairstreak, White
Admiral, Black Hairstreak, Silverwashed Fritillary
8
14
B
26/10/2016 31/03/2011
SP987984
N/A
497 (5 25)
Concolorous
1
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
White-letter Hairstreak
11
12
B
6
26/10/2016 31/03/2011
SP956977
N/A
262 (3 13)
0
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper
13
13
B
Unfavourable,
declining
23
31/03/2016 14/04/2008
SK523782
N/A
170 (2 9)
0
Dingy Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak
8
8
B
Favourable
Dingy Skipper population declining
9
10/01/2018 09/01/2013
SP992625
N/A
83 (1 - 4)
0
White Admiral
3
3
C
Favourable
Historic records for Grizzled Skipper &
species found on adjacent site
Wellow Park
29
31/03/2017 11/01/2007
SK684672
SSSI
130 (1 - 7)
0
White-letter Hairstreak
3
3
C
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Whittlewood
Forest
12
11/12/2018 13/12/2013
SP602495
N/A
61 (1 - 3)
0
White Admiral
3
3
C
Favourable
SE304067
N/A
34 (0.3 2)
0
White-letter Hairstreak
3
3
C
Bedford Purlieus
Cambridgeshire
Cambs & Essex
Peterborough
woods
4
31/03/2016
Fineshade Wood
Northants
Beds & Northants
Rockingham
Forest
6
Wakerley Great
Wood
Northants
Beds & Northants
Rockingham
Forest
Whitwell Wood
Derbyshire
Peak District
Whitwell
West Wood
Bedfordshire
Wellow Park
Notts
Notts
Plumpton
Northants
Beds & Northants
Hugsett Wood
South Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Salcey Forest,
Beds & Northants Yardley Chase
& West
WREN;
BIFFA
?Transect
Additional 2012-2017
East Forest District
Santon Downham
Brandon
Suffolk
IP27 0TJ
East District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site Name County
BC Branch
FDP Name
FDP
FDP
FDP Expiry
Review
Number Date
Date
Abbots Wood
Sussex
Sussex
Abbots Wood
20
31/03/2014 31/03/2019
Beckley Wood
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
Oxfordshire
Upper
Thames
Bernwood Shabbington,
Waterperry,
Chinkwell
Bernwood Forest
Chicksands Woods
Bedfordshire
Beds &
Northants
Greensand
Ridge
18
13
BC
Project
South
East
Woods
31/07/2015 01/08/2010
Monitoring
Grid Ref
2012
Monitoring
Transect
06/03/2016
Timed
counts
Clowes Wood
Kent
Kent
Clowes Wood
16
Cranwich Camp
Norfolk
Norfolk
Mundford
4
15
15/11/2022
Designation
Area
2007
TQ566077
N/A
353 (4 18)
TQ858220
N/A
193 (2 10)
SP614107 SSSI & FNR
TL098398
N/A
TR128631
Adjacent to
SSSI
467 (5 23)
Denge Wood
Kent
Kent
Dunwich Forest
Suffolk
Suffolk
Dunwich
30
31/03/2017 01/04/2012
Friston Forest
Sussex
Sussex
South Downs Friston
6
31/03/2014 31/03/2019
Homefield
Bucks
Upper
Thames
Chilterns FDP
17
Kings Forest
Suffolk
Suffolk
Kings
Maulden Wood
Bedfordshire
Beds &
Northants
Greensand
Ridge
14
20/08/2015 20/08/2010
Clay Fan-foot , Scarce Merveille
du Jour, Olive Cresent, Waved
Carpet, White-line Snout
Common Fan-foot
Argent & Sable, Common Fanfoot, Clay Fan-foot, White-line
114 (1 - 6)
Snout, Waved Carpet, Drab
looper, Coleophora wockeella
236 (2 12)
Barred Tooth-striped, Lunar
Yellow Underwing
31/03/2023 01/04/2018
Kent North
Downs Denge/Eggring
e
Moths 2012
South
East
Woods
TR098505
N/A
302 (3 15)
TM462715
N/A
514 (5 26)
Transect
TV542999
N/A
30/03/2017 31/03/2012
Transect
SU807870
13
31/03/2016 05/08/2011
Annual
survey
13
06/03/2016
(part)
HLS
Transect
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
0
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy
Skipper, White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, Silver-washed Fritil
44
44
A
21
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
Silver-washed Fritillary
30
30
A
5
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
Brown Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak
63
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Wood White,
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Brown Hairstreak,
Purple Emper
19
65
19
128
Habitat
Condition
2012
Additional 2012-2017
Very good status. Can Stuart Sutton
implement firewood scallops as a
compensatory effect for loss of conifer
Unfavourable,
clearfells over time? Stuart needs
recovering
support at the strategic level for this
approach. This is a focal site given the
failure of other reintroduction sites in
respect of PBF.
This wood will be a key area in the South Improved since last assessment. SITA
East Woods Project. Probably the best
bid implemented. Ride network
Unfavourable,
site for moth diversity in the country.
enhanced. Grizzled skipper still present.
no change
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
Establishing an ongoing ride
Grizzled Skipper declining. CFF&OC
management regime. Needs more
records 2005
survey input.
Historic Common Fan-foot.
Reintroduced Pearl-bordered
Fritillary.Record numbers of Pearlbordered Fritillary in 2011 following
reintroduction. The success (and
publicity) has inspired other local
initiatives.
Branch volunteer group involved.
Monitoring by transect, Joint Berwood
Biodiversity area. Forester also
recorded2006-2009
A
Unfavourable,
recovering
A
PBF declining. Monitoring by transects &
timed counts. New scallops creating
Unfavourable,
suitable habitat for 9 UKBAP Priority
recovering
species. Wood White stronghold and
confirmed records in other FC sites
outside this woodland.
Former Drab Looper site (1980).
Monitoring by timed counts. Continue
collaborative habitat management work.
Rides still a key issue i.e. too grassy in
composition. Heavy deer impact across
site. BBOWT have received WREN
award on their adjoining land. Blackthorn
management is reasonable.
BC project officer lost. Survey and report
has been undertaken. Annual survey and
report is a necessity. Needs vigilance
following initial management. Must keep
a watch on Cow wheat distribution and
density.
0
Heath Fritillary
15
15
A
Unfavourable,
recovering
20
Dingy Skipper
5
25
A
Favourable,
improving
Very important site for moths in general.
Historic records for Grizzled Skipper
Skipper spp. numbers declining. Duke of
Burgundy population increase 600%
(since 2007). Drab Looper recorded
2004
Much improved. Part of landscape-scale
project. Still covered by Dukes on the
Edge Project. Landfill tax funding applied
to site adding to earlier works. Continues
to improve. Volunteer input on the Bonzai
bank. Concerns over key ride ownership
and future management regime. A key
connectivity site.
0
Duke of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper
25
25
A
Favourable.
Buttoned Snout, Square-spotted
clay
10
Silver-studded Blue, White Admiral,
White-letter Hairstreak
11
21
A
Unfavourable,
recoverin
850 (9 43)
White-line Snout , Barred Toothstriped, Olive Cresent
13
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Dark Green Fritillary,
Silver-washed Fritillary
15
28
A
Favourable
Farmer reporting 'clouds of blues' in
2011; Chalkhill, Adonis, Silver-studded
and Small blue, Olive cresent 2009
Add chalkhill blue, small blue, silver
spotted skipper. HLS agreement on the
Gallops with management of this 80 ha
sub-unit secured.
N/A
99 (1 - 5)
Square-spotted Clay
5
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak
16
21
A
Unfavourable,
recovering
1999 record for Striped Lychnis
Moving in the right direction. Branch input
on top of FE efforts helping to deliver the
fine detail.
TL818741
SSSI/SPA
2333 (23 117)
Basil Thyme Case-bearer
15
Dingy Skipper, Grayling
10
25
A
Favourable
Annual survey for Basil Thyme Casebearer
TL068386
SSSI
183 (2 - 9)
0
Wood White, Grayling, White-letter
Hairstreak
21
21
A
Favourable
Historic records for Lunar Yellow
Underwing and Sword-grass
TQ982352
SSSI
320 (3 16)
Scarce Merveille du Jour, Whiteline Snout, Clay Fan-foot, Whitebanded carpet, Triangle, Sciota
hostilis
15
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
Purple Emperor, Silver-washed
Fritillary
10
25
A
Orlestone Forest
Kent
Kent
Kent Low
Downs Orlestone
Forest
Rendlesham Forest
Suffolk
Suffolk
Rendlesham
32
31/03/2018 31/08/2013
TM340497
SSSI/SPA
1426 (14 71)
Lunar Yellow Underwing
15
Grayling, White Admiral
8
23
A
Tunstall Forest
Suffolk
Suffolk
Tunstall
31
31/03/2017 31/03/2012
TM388543
SSSI/SPA
942 (9 47)
Lunar Yellow Underwing,
Square-spotted Clay, Bedstraw
Hawk-moth
21
Grayling, White Admiral
8
29
A
Favourable
West Harling
Woods
Norfolk
Norfolk
Harling
11
31/03/2014 01/04/2019
TL965839
SSSI/SPA
963 (10 48)
Basil Thyme Case-bearer
15
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
White-letter Hairstreak
11
26
A
Unfavourable,
recoverin
WREN
Notes 2012
Favourable
Neighbouring Burnt Oak Wood has good
A key moth site historically. Removal of
numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary and
too much conifer is an issue here with
occ. Purple Emperor. Historic records of
desire for conifer retention. Winter birch
Dark Crimson Underwing, Orange
mulching is likely to benefit moths.
Upperwing, Buttoned Snout
Historic records for Dingy Skipper
East District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site Name County
BC Branch
FDP Name
FDP
FDP
FDP Expiry
Review
Number Date
Date
BC
Project
Monitoring
Grid Ref
2012
South
East
Woods
Designation
Area
2007
Moths 2012
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
Habitat
Condition
2012
TQ669216
N/A
275 (3 14)
0
White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper
8
8
B
Unfavourable,
no change
TL141464
N/A
70 (1 - 4)
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary
7
7
B
Favourable
TQ699199
Adjacent to
SSSI
144 (1 - 7)
0
Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper
14
14
B
Unfavourable,
no change
31/03/2014 01/04/2019
TL945931
SSSI/SPA
565 (6 26)
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak
6
6
B
Unfavourable,
recoverin
12
31/03/2021
TL732750
SSSI/SPA
388 (4 19)
Barred Tooth-striped
5
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak
6
11
B
Favourable
Potton Wood
11
06/08/2014
TL250501
SSSI
95 (1 - 5)
White-spotted Pinion
5
White-letter Hairstreak, Silverwashed Fritillary
4
9
B
Favourable
Upper
Thames
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
TQ214309
Part SSSI
244 (2 12)
0
Silver-studded Blue, Grizzled
Skipper
10
10
B
Unfavourable,
recovering
Beds &
Northants
Greensand
Ridge
13
06/03/2016
SP993315
N/A
42 (0 - 2)
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak
6
6
B
Favourable
Burwash
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
College and Home
Wood
Bedfordshire
Beds &
Northants
Greensand
Ridge
13
06/03/2016
Darwell Wood
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
Frosts Common
Norfolk
Norfolk
Hockham
6
Hurst Fen
(Mildenhall)
Suffolk
Suffolk
Mildenhall
Potton Wood
Bedfordshire
Beds &
Northants
St Leonards
Bucks
Washers & Dainty
Bedfordshire
South
East
Woods
BMS
Transect
Notes 2012
Additional 2012-2017
Part surveyed 2000
Stuart Sutton has improved
management. DH to check Steve
Wheatley's report.
Potential for greater liaison between FE
& Southern Water. Former Pearlbordered Fritillary site.
Site status OK for the species it
supports.
BMS Transect
No SSB remain on site. Grizzled skipper
doing well. Heathy woodland corridors
and rhododendron removal have added
to the sites value for lepidoptera.
Current species are under threat. DoB
may have been lost from the localised
site at Dancersend. BBOWT are doing a
lot of work. FE concerrns over economic
liabilities. This will require a site visit to
find a way forward. Email from local
volunteer RE: decline of GS and lack of
scrub management. Replied and
suggested Neal A-C
Wendover
Bucks
Upper
Thames
Chilterns FDP
17
30/03/2017 31/03/2012
SP888085
N/A
398 (4 20)
0
Grizzled Skipper, Purple Emperor,
Silver-washed Fritillary
7
7
B
Favourable
Wilstead Wood
Bedfordshire
Beds &
Northants
Greensand
Ridge
13
06/03/2016
TL072425
N/A
62 (1 - 3)
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak
6
6
B
Unfavourable,
no change
Battle Great Wood
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
TQ768158
N/A
186 (2 - 9)
0
Grayling
5
5
C
Unfavourable,
recovering
Bedgebury
Kent
Kent
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
TQ725329
N/A
892 (9 45)
0
Grizzled Skipper
5
5
C
Unfavourable,
no change
Hills and Holes
North Norfolk
Norfolk
Hockham
6
31/03/2014 01/04/2019
TL959910
N/A
147 (1 - 7)
0
White Admiral
3
3
C
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Horsford Wood
North Norfolk
Norfolk
Horsford
24
31/03/2016 01/04/2011
TG198182
N/A
245 (2 12)
0
Silver-studded Blue
5
5
C
Unfavourable, Travellers on site have caused decline in
recoverin
past
Maresfield (High
and Park Wood)
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
TQ420263
N/A
120 (1 - 6)
0
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
4
C
Unfavourable,
declining
High Wood disposed of pre-2010 but
Park Wood still PFE managed
Marsham Wood
Norfolk
Norfolk
TG175240
N/A
18 (0.2 1)
0
Silver-studded Blue
5
5
C
Sheffield Forest
Sussex
Sussex
High Weald
13
07/01/2019 07/01/2014
TQ435266
N/A
78 (1 - 4)
0
White Admiral
3
3
C
Favourable
Weald Forest Ridge Project provided
habitat enhancement funds and localised
coppice and corridor enhancement work
undertaken
West Toffs Pit
Norfolk
Norfolk
Lynford
5
31/03/2023 01/04/2018
TL826906
SSSI/SPA
3027 (30 151)
0
Dingy Skipper
5
5
C
Unfavourable,
declining
South
East
Woods
WREN
Unfavourable, declining due to
motorbikes
North District
Eals Burn
Bellingham
Hexham
Northumberland
NE48 2HP
North District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site Name County
BC Branch FDP Name
FDP
Review
Date
BC Project
Monitoring
2012
Grid Ref
Designation
Area
2007
0
Morecambe
Timed counts
Adjacent to
04/12/2022 05/12/2017
Bay
SD479907
on Scout Scar
SSSI
Limestones
North West
Dalton Crags
(Cumbria)
52
18/03/2023 18/03/2018
Northumbs
North East
England
119
15/04/2017 15/04/2012
Cumbria
North West
(Cumbria)
Barrowfield &
Honeybee Wood
Cumbria
North West
(Cumbria)
Dalton Crags
Cumbria
Fourlaws (Aid
Moss)
Grizedale Forest
FDP
FDP
Expiry
Number
Date
Barrowfield
Fourlaws
Grizedale
18
Morecambe
Bay
Limestones
Transect
22/07/2018 22/07/2013
SD549767
SD331943
SSSI
N/A
Moths 2012
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
Habitat
Condition
2012
36
36
A
Data refer to Scout Scar on eastern
edge of Barrowfield wood. Monitoring by
Unfavourable,
timed counts on Scout Scar. Surveyed in
recovering
2011 for PBF HBF fritillary butterflies.
None recorded.
138 (1 - 7)
0
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern
Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary
119 (1 - 6)
0
High Brown Fritillary, Pearlbordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Dark Green
Fritillary
46
46
A
Unfavourable,
recovering
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Large Heath
20
20
A
Unfavourable,
recoverin
0
High Brown Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Dark Green
Fritillary
2442 (24 122)
Notes 2012
32
32
A
Additional 2012-2017
Monitored by transect
Surveyed for linking habitat in 2013/14.
Possible connectivity work 14/15. PBF
and HBF planned survey work in 2014.
Favourable
Several possible sightings of High Brown
Fritillary in 2005. Planning co-ordinated
survey work with branch summer 2012,
as part of a larger survey around the
Linsty Hall Wood site.
Favourable
Records from Hampsfield Allotment,
Hampsfield Fell - Bishops Allotment
support High Brown Fritillary. Northern
Survey work in 2013/14. HBF refound at
Brown Argus records were from
China plantation and 1 km further north
Hampsfield Fell. Monitoring by timed
during Extensive survey work in
counts. Surveyed in 2011 for PBF HBF
grizedale, in summer 2013 on bike, and
fritillary butterflies. Low numbers of HBF
in cars with small volunteer team.
seen. 2012 plan to co-ordinate
Subsequent management programme
management accross this whole
drawn up and submitted to FC. Plans for
landscape, working with small woodland
more survey work in 2014 with wider
owners, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, FC to
forests surveyed for habitat.
bring good woodland management for
butterflies with Eggerslack wood central
to it.
Hampsfield Fell
Cumbria
North West
(Cumbria)
Eggerslack &
Hampsfield
Allotment
40
11/09/2016 11/10/2012
Morecambe
Timed Count
Bay
SD406792
2004
Limestones
LPP
45 (0.5 2)
0
High Brown Fritillary, Pearlbordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Dark Green
Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus
51
51
A
Kielder Forest*
Northumbs
North East
England
Deadwater
103
28/07/2021 28/07/2016
Transect
NY651853
Part SSSI
60430
(604 3022)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary
21
21
A
Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on
Unfavourable,
rides but no current records. Monitoring
recoverin
by transect
Kielder Forest*
Northumbs
North East
England
Humble Hill
110
28/07/2021 28/07/2016
Transect
NY651853
Part SSSI
60430
(604 3022)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary
21
21
A
Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on
Unfavourable,
rides but no current records. Monitoring
recoverin
by transect
Kielder Forest*
Northumbs
North East
England
Kershope
1
17/07/2021 17/07/2016
Transect
NY651853
Part SSSI
60430
(604 3022)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary
21
21
A
Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on
Unfavourable,
rides but no current records. Monitoring
recoverin
by transect
Kielder Forest*
Northumbs
North East
England
Lewisburn
104
28/07/2021 28/07/2016
Transect
NY651853
Part SSSI
60430
(604 3022)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary
21
21
A
Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on
Unfavourable,
rides but no current records. Monitoring
recoverin
by transect
A
Work done here 1. on north eastern
ridge making 200m long connective ride
with glades over limestone pavement.
Looks great:-) monitoring planned in
2014 for PBF and HBF 2. Further Work
in planning for 1.5 Ha area around the old
Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on
Unfavourable,
quarry area. 3. plans to improve the
rides but no current records. Monitoring
recoverin
lower area of transect submitted for
by transect
13/14 but ran out of time, will be
resubmitted. 4. fenceline cut for new
fence to secure footpath, path widened
to include ride, plans to get mown
regularly to creat open sunny are linking
glades.
A
Butterfly data and Transect refers to
adjoining Beetham Fell (Dallam Tower
Estate). Transect started on Bettham
Fell 2005. Working with FC to bring
Unfavourable,
some co-ordinated management with
recovering
this wood and Dallam Tower Estate
woods at Beetham Fell SSSI. Looking at
connectivity work in the wood for
2012/13
A
Helping to plan a co-ordinated landscape
approach to ride and glade managent
here, co-ordinating with Cumbria
Branch, Township Plantation,
Landowners of Crossthwaite, FC and
local woodland owners to produce
connectivity for HBF, PBF and Duke
across the north of Whitbarrow
Kielder Forest*
Underlaid
Whitbarrow
Northumbs
Cumbria
Cumbria
North East
England
North West
(Cumbria)
North West
(Cumbria)
South
Reservoir
Underlaid
Whitbarrow
108
36
0
28/07/2021 28/07/2016
15/04/2023 15/04/2018
06/03/2021 06/03/2016
Transect
NY651853
Transect
Morecambe
started on
Bay
SD482793
Bettham Fell
Limestones
2005.
Morecambe
Bay
Limestones
Transect
SD451864
Part SSSI
SSSI
SSSI
60430
(604 3022)
132 (1 - 7)
445 (4 22)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary
0
High Brown Fritillary, Pearlbordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Northern Brown
Argus
0
High Brown Fritillary, Pearlbordered Fritillary, Small Pearlbordered Fritillary, Duke of
Burgundy, Northern Brown Argus,
Dark Green Fritillary, Silv
21
50
67
21
50
67
Favourable
Transect volunteers set up by Dave
Wainwright in April 2014.
South District
Ampfield Wood
The Queen’s House
Lyndhurst
Hampshire
SO43 7NH
South District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
Ashmore (formerly
Stubhampton
Bottom and
Washer's Pit)
County
Dorset
BC Branch
Dorset
Bouldnor Copse Hampshire Hants & IOW
Charlton
Chiddingfold
Eartham Woods
Grovely Wood
Houghton wood
Moreton
Sussex
Surrey
Sussex
Wiltshire
Sussex
Dorset
Sussex
Surrey
Sussex
Wiltshire
Sussex
Dorset
FDP Name
Ashmore
IOW
South Downs
2
Chiddingfold
South Downs
2
Grovely
South Downs
2
Purbeck
FDP
Number
210
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
BC Project
19/10/2014
18/12/2017 18/12/2012
6
Dukes on
31/08/2023 31/08/2018
the Edge
6
217
6
14
24/04/2013 24/04/2013
31/08/2023 31/08/2023
19/10/2014
31/08/2023 31/08/2023
31/01/2024 31/01/2019
Grid Ref
ST904156
1
8
Monitoring
2012
Designati
Area
on 2007
N/A
167 (2 - 8)
Moths 2012
Argent & Sable, Drab
Looper
SZ381902 Part SSSI 105 (1 - 5)
SU905154
N/A
South East Transect &
SU999335 Part SSSI
Woods
timed counts
South East
Woods
Dukes on
the Edge
South East
Woods
SU945114
SU022346
SU992114
SY815913
N/A
Adjacent
to SSSI
N/A
Part SSSI,
SPA,SAC
1005 (10 50)
891 (9 45)
260 (3 13)
280 (3 14)
Drab Looper
Common Fan-foot, Clay
Fan-foot, White-line Snout,
Waved Carpet, Drab
looper, Coleophora woc
Striped Lychnis, Drab
Looper
Narrow-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth, Drab Looper
233 (2 12)
411(4 21)
Moth
Score
2012
30
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Dark Green
Fritillary, Silver-washed
Fritillary,
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Grizzled Skipper
15
Dingy Skipper, Grizzled
Skipper, Silver-washed
Fritillary
48
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, Brown Hairstreak,
Purple Emperor, Silverwashed Fritillary
20
Silver-washed Fritillary
20
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke
of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper, Purple
Emperor, Dark Green
Fritillary, Silver-washed
Fritillary
0
Dingy Mocha
Butterflies 2012
5
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Grizzled Skipper
Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,
White Admiral
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
15
20
11
35
1
43
20
13
45
20
26
83
21
63
20
18
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
ScoreC Habitat
hange Condition
2012
2012
0
0
Favourable
Unfavourable,
recovering
Notes 2012
Additional 2012-2017
Only has drab looper now on early
Key site for Argent & Sable and Drab
succession habitat. Scrub management
Looper. Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary
a key focus. CE on board with
site despite management. Other species management. Favourable condition and
still declining. Potential Barberry Carpet stable but CE requires more resource for
site.
future scrub management/coppice
working regime.
Failed reintroduction of Reddish Buff.
Reddish Buff 2002-2011 recorded
(Cranmore)
Small PBF no longer present in local
landscape. Significant removal of conifer
recently with 14 ha of heathland created
now under Willdife Trust management.
Grizzled skipper likely to be present. No
small PBF's now.
15
Adjacent to good quality downland site &
Duke of Burgundy at Heyshott Common.
intact landscape. Ride network with very
DH to set up site meeting in relation to
good numbers of Drab Looper 2013, plus
Favourable
FDP review. Could make an extension
Dingy & Grizzled Skipper. Some
inrelation to DoB project. Linkage to NIA
potential PBF habitat if woodland edge
project though not part of.
could be worked more.
-45
5 year scallop report now produced by
WEA. General management principle are
important. Need a 2-sided summary as
per Denge DoB project. All species on
target list have benefitted from scallop
ceation programme bar small PBF and
PBF extinct, possibly with occasional
PBF - considered lost from site as of
unauthorised releases. Wood white is summer 2012. These species no longer
Unfavourable,
main priority and has repsonded well to the focus of woodland management as a
recoverin
scallop regime. Monitoring by transects consequence. Moth list needs reviewing.
& timed counts
Argent and Sable gone. From now on
wood white must be established as the
focal species. SITA project for Wokeilla
moth implemented by BC. Chiddingfold
not a priority for PBF re-establishment at
present. A key site in the West Weald
Landscape Partnership Project.
15
Need to add drab looper as a priority
species. Natural recolonisation of PBF
underway from Rewell but in 2010 died
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site,
out. Ranger needs strategic support to
Natural recolonisation 2010, lost by 2012
do more ride management. This is
Unfavourable,
due to lack of targetd management.
necessary to facilitate an expansion and
no change
Recorded in adjacent private woodland. establishment of PBF. DoB on nearby
Waved Carpet (1978),
land. Need to do work to encourage PBF,
DoB and drab looper permanent
occupation. Send a stock map to Tony
Davis (BC Moth Conservation Officer).
15
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site
PBF re-released. DoB present plus drab
however, Pearl-bordered Fritillary
looper. Management moving in the right
undocumented reintroduction in 2009,
direction. L-T management of chalk
still present 2013. Favourable
grassland pockets to be discussed .
management of ride edges, Duke of
Favourable and stable with annual
Burgundy struggling. BC also involved
corridor management programme in
with adjacent privately owned woodland.
place.
15
5
Favourable
Unfavourable,
recovering
Favourable
PBF now colonising. Already has white
admiral and grizzled skipper. Advise
moving from a grade C to A. Need to
Pearl-bordered Fritillary natural
maintain ride management programme.
recolonisation 2011, still present 2012.
JD to visit Houghton with Ranger and
Urgent targeted management needed.
encourage a continuation of beneficial
corridor management. DH willing to apply
for funding at direction of FE.
Key area for DM, retaining small sallow
growth in the open areas.
Similar prognosis to Wareham main
block concerning SSB. Road edge
management in underway for Dingy
mocha removing gorse and other
competitive species to favout young
sallow and willow.
South District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
New Forest*
New Forest*
County
BC Branch
FDP Name
Bolderwood &
Hampshire Hants & IOW Burley Wak
Inclosures
Hampshire Hants & IOW
New Forest
Open Forest
FDP
Number
8
Isle of
Wight
Hants & IOW
IOW
1
Stonedown
Dorset
Dorset
Stonedown
211
Wareham Forest
West Wood
Wiltshire
Dorset
Wiltshire
Dorset
Vernditch
Purbeck
Hampshire
Hampshire Hants&IOW Downs - West
Wood
Whiteley Pastures
(formally Botley Hampshire Hants & IOW
Wood)
Bere Whiteley
Pastures
FDP
Review
Date
31/01/2017
212
14
4
3
BC Project
South East
Woods
South East
Woods
0
Parkhurst Forest
Vernditch
FDP
Expiry
Date
18/12/2017 18/12/2012
South East
Woods
Monitoring
2012
Transect
Transect
Timed
counts
19/10/2014
19/10/2014
South East
Woods
SU272078
SU037211
Transect
South East
Woods
Part SSSI,
SPA,SAC
SZ473909 Part SSSI
SY893921
30/12/2017 17/12/2013
Designati
Area
on 2007
Part SSSI,
SU272078
SPA,SAC
ST994204
31/01/2024 31/01/2019
17/12/2018 17/12/2013
Grid Ref
SU429298
Botley Wood
1&2
SU536104
transects
N/A
N/A
26781
(268 1339)
26781
(268 1339)
Moths 2012
Dark & Light Crimson
Underwings, Scarce
Merveille du Jour, Whiteline Snout, Dingy Mocha
Dark & Light Crimson
Underwings, Scarce
Merveille du Jour, Whiteline Snout, Dingy Mocha
SSSI
17
17
Butterflies 2012
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silverstudded Blue, Grayling, White
Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
Dark Green Fritillary
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silverstudded Blue, Grayling, White
Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,
Dark Green Fritillary
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
49
49
66
66
A
A
ScoreC Habitat
hange
Condition
2012
2012
0
0
Notes 2012
Additional 2012-2017
Favourable
2011 a good year for PBF and
mnagement moving sites in the right
Also many other notable moth species
direction. Many sites subject to
(See Green (2000) The Status of
overgrazing but SSB doing ok. Shoulder
Lepidoptera in the New Forest).
striped clover - feeds on open moorland,
Monitoring by transect. PBF doing well
geographically restricted. Dingy mocha
throughout forest with expansion of
subject of ongoing concern due to
range in 2011, but Small Pearl-bordered
grazing, survives at a low level.
Fritillary still restricted to 3 small
Woodland management in NF excellent.
colonies.
Small PBF - concerns with. Remains at
low numbers and not responding like
PBFs to wider management regime.
Favourable
Landfill project planned foloowing DoB
project conclusion. To take in Holmsley
Enclosure, Wooton Coopice and Roydon
Woods (HWT). Could expand this work
into Broadley Inc. Small PBF needs
Also many other notable moth species
wetter conditions than PBF i.e. open
(See Green (2000) The Status of
tussock grassland with violets in sward.
Lepidoptera in the New Forest).
Project to seek NPA buy-in as well.
Monitoring by transect. PBF doing well
Intention for 2 winters of work.
throughout forest with expansion of
Anticipated start during winter 2013/14.
range in 2011, but Small Pearl-bordered DH to arrange meeting. FE to provide a
Fritillary still restricted to 3 small
letter of support. DH not aware of other
colonies.
interventions being required. 2012 PBF
status weather related. Will re-visit in
2013. DH would ideally like Holmsley
surveyed. DH to organise meeting for
2013 PBF survey to include FE staff and
branch staff.
394 (4 20)
Common Fan-foot
5
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Dark Green
Fritillary
12
17
A
-15
Reddish Buff (1999), historic records of
PBF likely lost from site. No recent
Orange Upperwing. Monitoring by timed
confirmed sightings. Confusing 3 years
counts. Increased management (from
with Glanville establishment following its
BC advice) due to new forester and
Favourable,
Northward expansion. Parkhurst has
woodland officer. Pearl-bordered Fritillary
improving
seen some significant forest
extinct since 2010 - no confirmed
management in past few years after a
records since. Management improving
lull. Ride management needs to be
too late, would require step change in
tweaked to comprise a rotational system.
management to support reintroduction.
107 (1 - 5)
Drab Looper
15
Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper
18
33
A
15
Favourable
15
Pealr-bordered Fritillary, Duke
of Burgundy, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Dark Green
Fritillary, Silver-washed
Fritillary
119 (1 - 6)
Drab Looper
Dingy Mocha, Speckled
Part SSSI, 1542 (15 Footman, Reed Leopard,
SPA,SAC
77)
Barberry Carpet
N/A
Moth
Score
2012
251 (3 13)
201 (2 10)
Drab Looper , White-line
Snout, Barred Toothstriped
White-line Snout
40
55
A
45
Open glades and ride edges under
positive management but site demands
additional resources.
Favourable
Drab Looper present in good numbers
2012. Pealr-bordered Fritillary and Duke
of Burgundy both recorded in 2012 of
unknown origin, but some suitable
habitat present. Historic Barred-toothed
Striped records.
Stable condition according to Wildlife
Ranger. Grazing regime initiated. Better
monitoring a necessity and could prove a
future lepidoptera research site. SSB
population has dissipated across to take
Speckled Footman records confidential.
advantage of new open habitat creation.
Silver Studded Blue declining. Barberry
Mowing regime enacted end June/start
Carpet occurs on France Firs.
July on humid heath/edge of wet heath
Established Barberry Hedgerow at
ride edges to maintain short sward
France Firs.
habitat. Speckled footman moth a priority
- bare earth habitat creation programme
in process for generic inverts plus moth
specific habitat management i.e. removal
of gorse and hemlock from key areas.
In good condition. Could benefit from
grazing in the L-T. Colin Elford on-board
with rotational scrub cutting. CE keen to
expand positive management of ride
network.
16
Silver-studded Blue, Dingy
Skipper, Grayling
15
31
A
5
Favourable
23
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Purple
Emperor, Dark Green
Fritillary, Silver-washed
Fritillary
16
39
A
0
Unfavourable,
recovering
15
Need to ensure that canopy over 2009
PBF recorded on this former site in
and 2011 coppice coupes removed and
2010, 2011 and 2012, possible release
that cycle is continued. To arrange
or long-distance dispersal from New
meeting between Simon James and DH
Forest. New management underway with
Unfavourable,
to view site improvements. Send Sue
good habitat potential - needs monitoring.
declining
Clarkes report to DH. Scale and scope of
Histortic records for Scarce Merveille du
coppice to be reviewed. Canopy
Jour, Argent & Sable, Common Fan-foot
clearance critical. Corridors are much
& Orange Upperwing. Monitoring by
improved. New ponds add diversity in
transect
respect of fringing vegetation.
3
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Purple
Emperor, Silver-washed
Fritillary, Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
30
33
A
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
Monitoring by transect
DH to check species lists. Unfavourable
recovering condition.
South District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
Ampfield Wood
County
BC Branch
Hampshire Hants & IOW
FDP Name
Hampshire
Downs Ampfields &
Windmills
FDP
Number
4
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
31/12/2012 31/12/2012
BC Project
Monitoring
2012
Transect
Grid Ref
SU404245
Designati
Area
on 2007
N/A
380 (4 19)
N/A
379 (4 19)
Brighstone Forest
Isle of
Wight
Combley Great
Wood
(Briddlesford
Copses)
Isle of
Wight
Hants & IOW
IOW
1
18/12/2017 18/12/2012
SZ550888 Part SSSI 130 (1 - 7)
Crowthorne
Woods/Swinley
Park
Berkshire
Upper
Thames
Thames Basin
Heaths
10
03/12/2017 03/12/2012
SU854650
SSSI
206 (2 10)
Forest of Bere
Hampshire Hants & IOW
Bere - Havent
Holt, Thicket,
Queens Enc
3
13/05/2013 17/05/2008
SU713109
N/A
266 (3 13)
Hants & IOW
IOW
1
18/12/2017 18/12/2012
SZ423848
Dorset
Dorset
Purbeck
14
31/01/2024 31/01/2019
Park & Queen
Copse*
Dorset
Dorset
Uddens &
Cannon Hill
207
20/08/2019 01/01/2014
SU050033
None
111(1 - 6)
Park & Queen
Copse*
Dorset
Dorset
Whitesheet
208
20/08/2019 01/01/2014
SU050033
None
111(1 - 6)
Rempstone
Dorset
Dorset
Purbeck
14
31/01/2024 31/01/2019
SY987846
Part SSSI,
SPA,SAC
613 (6 31)
Bramshill
Hampshire Hants & IOW
Firestone Copse Hampshire Hants & IOW
Lord's Wood
Hampshire Hants & IOW
Alice Holt Alice Holt
7
31/12/2013 31/12/2013
Thames Basin
Heaths
10
03/12/2017 03/12/2012
IOW
1
18/12/2017 18/12/2012
South Hants
2
18991230
18991230
Bentley
Station
meadow
transect
SY858884
False Mocha, Scarce
Mervielle du Jour
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
ScoreC Habitat
hange
Condition
2012
2012
Notes 2012
Additional 2012-2017
White Admiral, Purple
Emperor, Silver-washed
Fritillary
0
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Silverwashed Fritillary
0
Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,
Dark Green Fritillary, Silverwashed Fritillary
10
10
B
0
Corridor work and PAWS restoration.
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.Joint Need to assess coppice resource and
Unfavourable,
Pear-bordered Fritillary recovery project what can be resourced. DH to visit with
no change
across the landscape
Forester in January 2013 to assess
condition.
0
Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,
White Admiral
13
13
B
0
Unfavourable,
recovering
Possibly lost Silver Studded Blue
Recent fire impacted on site. Significant
early succession habitat and bare earth.
Fire breaks being created.
Rhododendron removal. Grayling likely to
benefit from coridor management.
8
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
12
B
0
Favourable
White-line Snout historically
Needs extra survey effort to support reassessment. DH to ask Jim Norris about
moths.
6
14
6
14
B
B
0
0
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
Unfavourable,
Purple Emperor declining. Monitoring by
recovering
transect
Favourable
Needs more monitoring
0
Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,
Silver-washed Fritillary
11
11
B
0
Favourable
Dingy Mocha
5
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
9
B
5
Favourable
DM 2011
Dingy Mocha
5
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
9
B
5
Favourable
DM 2011
0
Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,
White Admiral
13
13
B
0
Favourable
White Admiral, Purple
Emperor, Silver-washed
Fritillary
5
5
C
0
1039 (10 52)
0
Grayling
5
5
C
0
Unfavourable,
no change
Bird management a priority
SZ555911 Part SSSI 98 (1 - 5)
0
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
4
C
0
Favourable
Monitoring by transect. Joint Pearbordered Fritillary recovery project
across the landscape
SU398173
0
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
4
C
0
Unfavourable,
declining
N/A
141 (1 - 7)
Yearly flailing of rideside vegetation
underway. Future thinning provides an
opportunity to enhance edges of
corridors.
Site in good condition. Mowing regime as
per Wareham. SSB and Grayling
comprise the target species here.
Grazing underway.
0
Adjacent
to SSSI
Glanville fritillary now present in
Brighstone Forest (moving northward).
Feeds on ribwort plantain. Breeding on
ride network. Has reached Parkhurst.
Colonises early successional woodland.
Scarcer than PBF at the moment.
Forest edge habitat management
programme in process. SSB under
same scenario as at Wareham minus
the grazing regime. BC volunteer
transect in place. Site moving in positive
direction but bracken control an ongoing
problem with concerns over future
management options.
855 (9 43)
SU809420
Access issues. Transect issues. Deer
management problematic. Invasive
species removal underway i.e.
rhododendron. Unfavourable recovering.
1
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site. Has
Bentley Station meadow transect. 2011
Pearl-bordered Fritillary record (poosible
Unfavourable, release). New pond and wet woodland
recovering
copse (FC lead). Improving partnership
with neighbouring BC reserve Bentley
Station Meadow, opening new corridors
in woodland edge.
SU775595 SSSI/SAC
Transect
Broad Bordered Bee Hawk
Part SSSI,
178 (2 - 9)
SPA,SAC
Hethfelton Wood
Alice Holt Forest Hampshire Hants & IOW
Transect
Moths 2012
Corridor work and PAWS restoration.
Need to assess coppice resource and
what can be resourced. DH to visit with
Forester in January 2013 to assess
condition.
West District
Bank House
Bank Street
Coleford
Gloucestershire
GL16 8BA
West District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
County
BC Branch
FDP Name
BLACKDOW
Blackdown Forest Somerset West Country
N
Blakeridge Wood Shropshire
West
Midlands
Clun
FDP
Number
47
13
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
BC Project
12/05/2016
Monitoring
2012
Grid Ref
ST247192
Conserving
07/01/2020 07/01/2015 the Wood
White
SO302862
Designati
Area
on 2007
SSSI
N/A
959 (10 48)
Moths 2012
N/A
165 (2 - 8)
Moth
Score
2012
0
0
Butterflies 2012
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Duke of Burgundy, Wood
White, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
Wood White
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
59
15
59
15
A
A
ScoreC Habitat
hange
Condition
2012
2012
Notes 2012
-10
TW monitoring at Buckland Wood and
New Fancy only. Staple Common,
Witch Lodge Fields and Ruttersleigh
Common TW monitoring no longer
occurs. 2012 was a very poor year for
butterflies with very few individual
Unfavourable
sightings. Full report from Dudley
Recovering
Cheeseman provided.BC involved in
Neroche Forest restoration project. Duke
of Burgundy, Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary, Wood White declining. A&S last
record 2006, White-letter Hairstreak
record 2008
0
Wall seen in small numbers. Small
number of Wood White here give the site
the A grading. Potential to expand WW
habitat here.Hopefully also in national
Wood White project. Time needed to set
Unfavourable,
up a Butterfly Friends Group which
no change organises volunteer work parties/surveys
and continue involvement in the
Shropshire Hills AONB activity in this
area. Time also needed to assess the
long term benefits of the SITA Trust
funded work here.No TW monitoring
No TW monitoring. Great potential as
surrounded by other diverse woodlands.
Hopefully also in national Wood White
project. Time needed to set up a Butterfly
Friends Group which organises volunteer
work parties/surveys and continue
involvement in the Shropshire Hills
AONB activity in this area. Time also
needed to assess the long term benefits
of the SITA Trust funded work here.
Bucknell Wood
Shropshire
West
Midlands
Marches
(Kinsley &
Bucknell)
15
Conserving
05/02/2022 05/02/2017 the Wood
White
SO337739
N/A
298 (3 15)
0
Wood White, Silver-washed
Fritillary
16
16
A
0
Cann Wood, Plym
Forest
Devon
Devon
PLYM
73
31/03/2006
SX527598
N/A
559 (6 28)
0
Silver-washed Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
16
16
A
15
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
Unfavourable,
SPBF recored 2011, SWF last recorded
recovering
2011
Cookworthy
Devon
Devon
HALWILL
22
29/05/2012
SS425016
N/A
911 (9 46)
0
Wood White, Marsh Fritillary,
Silver-washed Fritillary
21
21
A
0
Unfavourable, Marsh Fritillary not recorded since 2005,
recovering
WW numbers down.
Dymock Woods
Gloucs
Gloucs
Dymock
28
14/11/2017 06/11/2012
23
Wood White, White Admiral,
Silver-washed Fritillary
19
42
A
6
21
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak
21
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak
21
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak
21
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
White Admiral, Grizzled
SkipperSilver-washed Fritillary
Forest of Dean*
Forest of Dean*
Forest of Dean*
Forest of Dean
(Highmeadow)
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Gloucs
Churchill
Middleridge
Nagshead &
Russells
High Meadow
46
44
Herefordshi
re Wood
White
14/03/2016 01/07/2011
30/03/2019 31/03/2014
SO680277 Part SSSI
SO620109 Part SSSI
SO620109 Part SSSI
511 (5 26)
Drab Looper, Barred
Tooth-striped, Fletchers
Pug, Salebriopsis albicilla,
Elegia similella
7126 (71 356)
Common Fan-foot, Drab
Looper, Dichomeris
ustelalla
7126 (71 356)
Common Fan-foot, Drab
Looper, Dichomeris
ustelalla
33
03/03/2024 03/03/2019
SO620109 Part SSSI
7126 (71 356)
Common Fan-foot, Drab
Looper, Dichomeris
ustelalla
31
Herefordshi
10/02/2013 27/06/2008 re Wood
White
1459 (15 SO550135 Part SSSI
73)
Drab Looper, Fletchers
Pug, Common Fan-foot
53
53
53
44
74
74
74
65
A
A
A
A
Favourable
Favourable
White-line snout 1999. Former Pearlbordered Fritillary site. A&s not recorded
for >3 years-presumed extinct, BTS,
WW and Fletchers pug recorded 2011.
A&S not recorded in recent years
5
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
RSPB taken lead for ride management at
Nags Heap. Green Team volunteers.
Unfavourable,
Grayling no longer recorded, potential
declining
resurvey to replicate 2002 . PBF
recorded in the main block, Dichomeris
at Welshbury Woods
5
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
RSPB taken lead for ride management at
Nags Heap. Green Team volunteers.
Unfavourable,
Grayling no longer recorded, potential
declining
resurvey to replicate 2002 . PBF
recorded in the main block, Dichomeris
at Welshbury Woods
5
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.
RSPB taken lead for ride management at
Nags Heap. Green Team volunteers.
Unfavourable,
Grayling no longer recorded, potential
declining
resurvey to replicate 2002 . PBF
recorded in the main block, Dichomeris
at Welshbury Woods
36
Unfavourable,
recovering
Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site. PbF3 records 2011, also Drab Looper,
Fletchers Pug. Coppicing and ride
management has taken place through
S106 funding - monitor WW response to
new habitat creation
Additional 2012-2017
West District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
Great Plantation
Haldon Forest
County
Devon
Devon
BC Branch
FDP Name
Devon
BOVEY
WOODS
Devon
HALDON
(Blocks
62/63/64/66)
FDP
Number
67
62
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
BC Project
31/03/2006
Saving
Devons
Precious
Pe
15/12/2016 07/03/2012
Saving
Devons
Precious
Pe
Haugh Wood
Herefordsh
ire
West
Midlands
Haugh Wood
26
Herefordshi
25/07/2017 14/01/2013 re Wood
White
Herrods Foot
Woods
Cornwall
Cornwall
HERODSFO
OT
16
30/05/2012
Shropshire
West
Midlands
Marches
(Hopton,
Purslow &
Well Wood)
15
Conserving
06/05/2014 01/04/2009 the Wood
White
Lydford
Devon
Devon
LYDFORD
25
12/02/2022
Shropshire
West
Midlands
Nether Wood
Herefordsh
ire
West
Midlands
North Wood
Devon
Devon
Oversley Wood
Warwicksh
ire
West
Midlands
Mortimer
HOLSWORT
HY(Part 2)
Warwickshire
16
19
21
10/06/2014 01/06/2009
22/03/2017
Grid Ref
Timed count SX820756
Transect
SX890837
2 Transects.
North side
SO589368
one only
occasionally
SX215596
Hopton Wood
Mortimer Forest
Monitoring
2012
Herefordshi
re Wood
White
Saving
Devons
Precious
Pe
Designati
Area
on 2007
N/A
129 (1 - 6)
SSSI
724 (7 36)
SSSI
N/A
366 (4 18)
Moths 2012
Drab Looper, White-line
Snout
120 (1 - 6) Scarce Merveille du Jour
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
ScoreC Habitat
hange Condition
2012
2012
Notes 2012
0
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy
Skipper, Grizzled Skipper,
Silver-washed Fritillary, White
Admiral
44
44
A
19
Favourable
Adjacent land has reasonable population
of Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Historic
records of Argent & Sable & Narrow
Bordered Bee Hawk-moth. Monitoring by
timed counts. Grizzled Skipper not
recorded since 2009 though may still be
present
0
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary,
60
60
A
0
Favourable
Wood White declining. Monitoring by
transect. WW and DGF not recorded
since 2004
18
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
42
60
A
0
FE has extended huge efforts on this site
to try to preserve the species richness.
Broom Tip 1995. Former site for
Common Fan-foot and A&S (only very
recently gone) and potential in future
Key. Monitoring Site for A&S. Has 2
Favourable
transects. North side one only
occasionally. TW monitoring continued in
2012, all species present, WA very low
numbers and not recorded since 2010
but probably still present, GS very low
numbers and not recorded since
2010.No moth records.
3
Wood White
15
18
A
0
Favourable
No records for WW , last record for
whole of Cornwall was at another site in
2003
No TW monitoring. Used as cycle trail.
Also Wall in low numbers. Hopefully also
in national Wood White project. Time
needed to set up a Butterfly Friends
Unfavourable, Group which organises volunteer work
no change
parties/surveys and continue
involvement in the Shropshire Hills
AONB activity in this area. Time also
needed to assess the long term benefits
of the SITA Trust funded work here.
SO350753
N/A
79 (1 - 4)
0
Wood White, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
19
19
A
0
Monitoring,
SX491842
Timed Count
N/A
148 (1 - 7)
0
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Heath
Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper,
Silver-washed Fritillary
46
46
A
-5
Favourable
No TW monitoring. 1995 & 1999 Butterfly
survey of the Mortimer Forest, potential
for SPBF. Hopefully also in national
Wood White project. Time needed to set
Favourable
up a Butterfly Friends Group to run
volunteer work parties/surveys. Also
need time for assessing the long term
success of original project work and
giving any further advice needed.
SO477727 Part SSSI
1029 (10 51)
0
Wood White, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
19
19
A
-1
SO523338
N/A
56 ( 1 - 3)
0
Wood White
15
15
A
0
Timed Count SS348006
N/A
138 (1 - 7)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy
Skipper, Grizzled Skipper
40
40
A
13
Adult
Surveys
Species
Herefordshi Transect,
03/09/2013 01/09/2008 re Wood Research_M SP103562
White
oth and
weevil
N/A
93 (1 - 5)
S hostilis, S. albicilla, E.
similella, Phyllonorycter
sagitella
10
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
7
17
A
-2
GS has not been recorded for approx. 3
years due to lack of suitable habitat.
SWF numbers down, other species
fared well.
Favourable
DS not recorded since 2010 and GS not
since 2011. No records of DGF or SWF
for some years. SPBF recorded 2009
Favourable
Key regional site for moths-Only British
colony of Sciota hostilis. 2012 Poor year
for WLHS, elm still present so species
probably is too. GS last recorded 1999.
SWF increasing, WA struggling. GS has
the potential to return to both sites with
correct management (increasing the
size of rides, scallops and clearings and
carrying out suitable grassland
management thereafter).
Additional 2012-2017
West District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
County
Radnor and Bury
Shropshire
Ditches
Ribbesford Wood
Shobdon (inc.
Mere Hill and
Sned)
Worcester
shire
Herefordsh
ire
Somerford
Common
Wiltshire
Tidenham Chase
Woods
Wigmore Rolls
Wyre Forest
BC Branch
West
Midlands
West
Midlands
West
Midlands
FDP Name
Clun
Wyre
Shobdon &
Wigmore
FDP
Number
13
20
18
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
Conserving
07/01/2020 07/01/2015 the Wood
White
14/05/2022 15/05/2017
24/07/2015 01/07/2010
Wiltshire
Somerford/W
ebbs wood
53
14/02/2017 16/08/2012
Gloucs
Gloucs
Tidenham
37
04/08/2015 04/08/2010
Herefordsh
ire
West
Midlands
Marches
(Wigmore,
Barnett &
Oakley)
15
08/05/2015 01/05/2010
Shropshire
/Worcester
shire
West
Midlands
Wyre
20
BC Project
14/05/2022 15/05/2017
Midlands
Fritillary
Herefordshi
re Wood
White
Monitoring
2012
?Transect
Species
Survey,
Timed
Counts
Adult
Surveys
Transect
Herefordshi
re Wood
White
Back to
Orange
Transect
Grid Ref
SO318837
Designati
Area
on 2007
N/A
Moths 2012
290 (3 15)
0
SO782728 Part SSSI 165 (2 - 8) Schiffermullerina grandis
SO396646
N/A
291(3 15)
SU024867
Part
reserve
122 ( 1 6)
SO562002
N/A
192 (2 10)
SO392695
N/A
250 (3 13)
2 full
Transects
SO743771
and PBF
timed counts
NNR &
SSSI
908 (9 45)
Moth
Score
2012
1
0
Butterflies 2012
Wood White. White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
White Admiral, Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Wood White, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
19
18
19
19
19
19
A
A
A
ScoreC Habitat
hange
Condition
2012
2012
0
Favourable
Notes 2012
TW monitoring, no SWF records since
2010 or WLHS since before 2007. Good
WW numbers though somewhat
reduced 2012. Wall recorded 2004.
Hopefully also in national Wood White
project. Time needed to set up a Butterfly
Friends Group which organises volunteer
work parties/surveys and continue
involvement in the Shropshire Hills
AONB activity in this area. Time also
needed to assess the long term benefits
of the SITA Trust funded work here.
15
No TW monitoring, timed counts. PBF
colonised 2011. There is a need to
continue to coordinate the survey,
monitoring and management work on all
Unfavourable, these woods through the existing Wyre
recovering
Forest Butterfly Group . There is also a
need to continue involvement with
partnership working and legacy activities
in this area post Grow With Wyre
funding.
0
No TW monitoring, Herefordshire WW
project - potentially 2 survey days here in
spring 2013 as aprt of West England
funded work. Hopefully also in national
Wood White project. Time needed to set
up a Butterfly Friends Group to run
volunteer work parties/surveys. Also
need time for assessing the long term
success of original project work and
giving any further advice needed.
Favourable
0
Duke of Burgundy, Marsh
Fritillary, White Admiral,
Grizzled Skipper, Brown
Hairstreak, Silver-washed
Fritillary
34
34
A
19
TW monitoring by Terry and Gaynor
Dabner.DofB and MF last recorded in
2001 and 2009 respectively.Most
important core in N.Wilts for BrH.
Unfavourable,
Skippers will be lost without further
recovering management to open up rides and sunny
glades. Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary
site. Pre 1990 records of Argent & Sable
& Barred-tooth Striped. Monitoring by
transect. MF record from UKBMS 2011
Drab Looper
15
White Admiral
3
18
A
15
Unfavourable,
recovering
Dl and SWGH have always been
present but not recorded in Strategy
Drab Lopper
15
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
White-letter Hairstreak, Silverwashed Fritillary
24
39
A
15
Favourable
TW monitoring, WLHS not recorded
since 2006 (1 record). WW good
numbers but declining. Stronghold for
Wood White in Herefordshire, 1998 Drab
Looper record. Transect
Favourable
GS not recorded since pre 2005. Historic
records of Argent & Sable, Narrowbordered Bee Hawk, Lunar Yellow
Underwing & Orange Upperwing. 2 full
transects and PBF timed counts. There
is a need to continue to coordinate the
survey, monitoring and management
work on all these woods through the
existing Wyre Forest Butterfly Group .
There is also a need to continue
involvement with partnership working and
legacy activities in this area post Grow
With Wyre funding.
Common Fan-foot, Drab
Looper, S.grandis
21
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Wood White, Dingy Skipper,
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, White-letter
Hairstreak, Silve
62
83
A
0
Additional 2012-2017
West District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
Savernake Forest
Savernake Forest
County
Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Shelve Woodland Shropshire
Shrawley Wood
Worcester
shire
Waverley Wood & Warwicksh
Weston Wood
ire
BC Branch
Wiltshire
FDP Name
Bedwyn
FDP
Number
55
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
Savernake
55
04/08/2018 04/08/2013
West
Midlands
Eastridge
11
24/11/2021 25/11/2016
West
Midlands
Wyre
Warwickshire
20
21
06/03/2022 07/03/2017
?Transect
0
Butterflies 2012
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak, Purple Emperor,
Silver-washed Fritillary
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
8
8
B
ScoreC Habitat
hange
Condition
2012
2012
Notes 2012
0
No TW monitoring - usually causal
monitoring for PE around column. M.O
(NT) is carrying out a study of PE.
Unfavourable, Occasional sightings of DGF though not
recovering
in 2012. 1990 records for Drab Looper.
Historic records for Light Crimson
Underwing, Waved carpet &
Argent&Sable
SU218671
SSSI
1187 (12 59)
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak, Purple Emperor,
Silver-washed Fritillary
8
8
B
0
No TW monitoring - usually causal
monitoring for PE around column. M.O
(NT) is carrying out a study of PE.
Unfavourable, Occasional sightings of DGF though not
recovering
in 2012. 1990 records for Drab Looper.
Historic records for Light Crimson
Underwing, Waved carpet &
Argent&Sable
SO330992
N/A
45 (0.5 2)
0
Dingy Skipper, Grayling
10
10
B
0
No TW monnitoring. Report written by J
Joy on The Lepidoptera of the south
Unfavourable,
Shropshire metal mines and other areas
recovering
in the vicinity. Wall in 1998, Grayling
population declining 98-04
1
No TW recording. There is a need to
continue to coordinate the survey,
monitoring and management work on all
these woods through the existing Wyre
Forest Butterfly Group . There is also a
need to continue involvement with
partnership working and legacy activities
in this area post Grow With Wyre
funding.
SO807663
SP354706
SSSI
N/A
96 (1 - 5)
114 (1 - 6)
Salebriopsis albicilla,
Pauper pug, Dichomeris
ustalella, Schiffermullerina
grandis,
4
0
White Admiral
White Admiral, Grizzled
Skipper, Silver-washed
Fritillary
3
9
7
9
B
B
Favourable
1
GS last recorded 1999, SWF increasing,
WA struggling, GS has the potential to
return to both sites with correct
management (increasing the size of
rides, scallops and clearings and
carrying out suitable grassland
Unfavourable
management thereafter).This site
No Change
supports a core White Admiral
population, managed principally for
dormice. Has potential for Wood White.
Set up a Butterfly Friends Group to run
volunteer work parties/surveys and
support coppicing and mowing work
71 (1 - 4)
0
White Admiral, Silver-washed
Fritillary
4
4
C
0
02/05/2017 13/03/2012
SX051691
N/A
292 (3 15)
0
White-letter Hairstreak
3
3
C
0
Unfavourable,
no change
Still lots of elm, historic records for Whitelined Snout. Last WLHS record in
Cornwall was in 1985 - at Dunmere
1977!
31/03/2015 01/04/2010
SJ388027
N/A
172 (2 - 9)
0
White-letter Hairstreak
3
3
C
0
Unfavourable,
no change
Wall's present. No TW monitoring
0
White Admiral, White-letter
Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak,
Silver-washed Fritillary
Favourable
TW monitoring last carried out in 2010 only casual sightings since then. 2012 a
very poor year in Red Lodge, no records
for Webbs. No BrH eggs recorded since
March 2007 and no adults since 2009,
but probably no monitoring taken place.
NE corner best area.
20
14/05/2022 15/05/2017
Dunmere
Cornwall
Cornwall
CAMEL
VALLEY
7
Eastridge Wood
Shropshire
West
Midlands
Eastridge
11
53
Midlands
Fritillary
1187 (12 59)
Moth
Score
2012
N/A
Wyre
Red Lodge
Species
Survey
SSSI
Moths 2012
SO801822
West
Midlands
Wiltshire
Species
Survey
Designati
Area
on 2007
No TW monitoring. There is a need to
continue to coordinate the survey,
monitoring and management work on all
these woods through the existing Wyre
Unfavourable,
Forest Butterfly Group . There is also a
recovering
need to continue involvement with
partnership working and legacy activities
in this area post Grow With Wyre
funding.
Worcester
shire
Wiltshire
Grid Ref
SU218671
14/05/2022 15/05/2017
Arley Wood
Red Lodge Wood
Monitoring
2012
13/10/2021 14/10/2016
Wiltshire
West
Midlands
BC Project
31/03/2006 01/10/2010
Species
Survey
SU060888
N/A
102 (1 - 5)
4
4
C
-8
Additional 2012-2017
Yorkshire District
Outgang Road
Pickering
North Yorks
YO18 7EL
Yorkshire District Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
County
BC Branch
FDP Name
FDP
Number
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
BC Project
Monitoring
2012
Grid Ref
Designati
Area
on 2007
Bishop Wood
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Bishop Wood
21
31/12/2017 02/12/2010
SE555336
Bumble Wood
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Bumble Wood
1
31/12/2016 08/12/2010
SE778998 Part SSSI
Cropton Forest &
Newtondale
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Cropton
2
31/12/2020
SE791947
Dalby Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Dalby
7
07/10/2023
Harwood Dale
Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Harwood Dale
5
31/12/2014
SE962983
Langdale Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Broxa
6
31/12/2022
Langdale Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Dalby
7
Langdale Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Langdale
Sneaton Forest
North
Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Sneaton
Moth
Score
2012
Butterflies 2012
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
Score
Habitat
Change Condition
2012
2012
Notes 2012
1991 record of Scarce Vapourer.
Potentially an important link wood
between Southern districts
15
White-letter Hairstreak
3
18
A
0
Favourable,
improving
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
15
15
A
0
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Newtondal
3662 (37 e part
183)
SSSI
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Dingy Skipper, Dark Green
Fritillary
21
21
A
0
Biggest single forest in district. Duke of
Unfavourable,
Burgundy & Pearl-bordered Fritillary site
recoverin
close by.
North York
DoB by
3598 (36 Moore
annual timed SE874878 Part SSSI
180)
Dukes an
counts
0
Silver-washed Fritillary, Small
Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke
of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,
Dark Green Fritillary
37
37
A
1
Ellerburn bank leased to FC, sub-let to
Favourable,
YWT. 1999 Square-spotted Clay.
improving Declines noted for some species. Annual
timed counts of Duke of Burgundy
748 (7 37)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Dingy Skipper
20
20
A
0
Unfavourable, Forest habitat network taken Small Pearlrecoverin
bordered Fritillary into account
SE899953 Part SSSI
3009 (30 150)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Large Heath, Dingy Skipper
25
25
A
0
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Also water vole site - shares similar
habitat requirements to Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
07/10/2023
SE899953 Part SSSI
3009 (30 150)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Large Heath, Dingy Skipper
25
25
A
0
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Also water vole site - shares similar
habitat requirements to Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
4
31/12/2019
SE899953 Part SSSI
3009 (30 150)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Large Heath, Dingy Skipper
25
25
A
0
Unfavourable,
recoverin
Also water vole site - shares similar
habitat requirements to Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
3
31/12/2018 19/04/2012
NZ887016 Part SSSI
905 (9 45)
0
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,
Large Heath
20
20
A
0
Favourable
Also water vole site - shares similar
habitat requirements to Small Pearlbordered Fritillary
N/A
N/A
341 (3 17)
Moths 2012
264 (3 13)
Argent & Sable
Additional 2012-2017
Westonbirt Arboretum
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8QS
Westonbirt Strategy Sites
Strategy Site
Name
Westonbirt
Arboretum
County
Glouc.
BC Branch
FDP Name
Westonbirt,
The National
Arboretum
FDP
Number
1
FDP
Expiry
Date
FDP
Review
Date
Monitoring
BC Project 2012
Grid Ref
ST845895
Designati
on 2007 Area
National
Arboreta
243 (2 10)
Moths 2012
Barberry carpet
Moth
Score
2012
5
Butterflies 2012
White-letter Hairstreak, Silverwashed Fritillary.
Butterfly Species Site
Score
Score
Grade
2012
2012
2012
4
9
B
ScoreC Habitat
hange Condition
2012
2012
0
Favourable
Notes 2012
Rothamstead light trap on site
Additional 2012-2017
Forestry Commission - Forest Enterprise - Local Offices (England)
Central England
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Edwinstowe
Mansfield
Notts
NG21 9JL
Tel : 01623 822447
Fax : 01623 820912
email: [email protected]
Sub-offices
Cannock
Central England Forest District
Birches Valley
Lady Hill
Rugeley
WS15 2UQ
Tel: 01889 586593
Fax: 01889 574217
email: [email protected]
Delamere
Central England Forest District
Linmere
Delamere
Northwich
Cheshire
CW8 2JD
Tel: 01606 882167
Fax: 01606 301083
email: [email protected]
East England
Santon Downham
Brandon
Suffolk
IP27 0TJ
Tel : 01842 810271
Fax : 01842 811309
email: [email protected]
North England
Eals Burn
Bellingham
Hexham
Northumberland
NE48 2HP
Tel : 01434 220242
Fax : 01434 220756
email: [email protected]
South England
The Queen's House
Lyndhurst
Hants
SO43 7NH
Tel : 02380 283141
Fax : 02380 283929
email: [email protected]
West England
Bank House
Bank Street
Coleford
Glos
GL16 8BA
Tel : 01594 833057
Fax : 01594 833908
email: [email protected]
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8QS
Tel: 01666 880220
Fax: 01666 880559
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Yorkshire
Outgang Road
Pickering
North Yorks
YO18 7EL
Tel : 01751 472771
Fax : 01751 474503
email: [email protected]