Perthshire man helps with elusive butterfly conservation

The Herald Scotland

5 days ago

Returning to his role, he has been assisting with a wider conservation project to find Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries (PBFs) butterflies in support of Butterfly Conservation.
The project aims to halve the number of threatened butterfly and moth species in the UK, improve the condition of 100 important landscapes for these insects and transform 100,000 wild spaces to make them more appealing to butterflies, moths and people.
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PBFs have been identified as one of 27 priority species in the Trust's 'Plan for Nature'.
The butterfly surveys have been made possible thanks to Mr Todd's role as seasonal ranger with the Trust supported by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery. Alongside his other duties such as patrolling sites, leading events and visitor engagement, he has relished the opportunity to support nature conservation at some of his old haunts.
Mr Todd, National Trust for Scotland seasonal ranger in Perthshire, said: 'It's been fantastic to return to my role at the Trust and such a privilege to be able to support nature conservation at some of my favourite places in Perthshire. I have fond memories of exploring sites across the region as a kid and it is a huge honour to return and lend my support to help protect their biodiversity.
'The annual surveys have been carried out at the Trust's places in Perthshire, such as Killiecrankie and Craigower Hill and I've identified some new sites for Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries in Linn of Tummel too.
"These butterflies are quite scarce and hard to correctly identify which makes the surveys quite challenging, but rewarding, nonetheless. These sites provide the ideal habitats for the butterflies, who like well-drained areas with a mosaic of vegetation and deciduous woodlands where there is an abundance of warm bracken stands for shelter and open meadows with native dog violets; the preferred food plant for the PBFs' caterpillars.
A butterfly (Image: National Trust for Scotland)
'In total we were able to spot 10 PBFs, and the surveys also uncovered a marked increase in Spotted Wood butterflies too. Whilst these numbers were higher than our previous surveys, sadly, the national population trend has seen a downwards pattern. By carrying out the surveys earlier in the year during the main flight season for the butterfly species we have been able to capture data to support Butterfly Conservation's project that helps them monitor trends and informs us on any conservation action needed.
'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at these special places for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.'
Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported the conservation charity's Love Our Nature project since 2022 which benefited from £900k last year. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust.
Head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be thrilled to know that they are contributing to the vital work of the National Trust for Scotland and its partners to protect the rare insects at some of our country's most spectacular locations.
"By protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of these important habitats, we are helping to ensure the longevity of these species for future generations.'