3 days ago
Extremely rare Wood White butterfly found in Wales
The endangered Wood White has been recorded at four sites in Wales this summer, suggesting the species is recolonising Wales decades after its last population died out.
Alan Sumnall, head of conservation for Wales at Butterfly Conservation, said: "This is really exciting news for us.
"Butterflies have suffered terribly in recent years because of human actions, but now we have a real success story – a new species for Wales – and what's more it's the result of fantastic, targeted conservation work by our team."
The Wood White was known to have a permanent colony in south-east Wales.
It is believed the new arrivals have spread from Shropshire, where targeted conservation efforts have supported population growth.
The first sighting in Wales was reported on May 9 at an NRW-owned site near Newtown.
Further surveys are planned for next spring to monitor the butterfly's progress.
