A rare butterfly is at the centre of a new conservation scheme in Shropshire.
The Woods for Wood White Project, led by Forestry England, is working to protect the endangered Wood White butterfly, one of Britain’s most endangered butterflies.
Community efforts are taking place at Bury Ditches in the Shropshire Hills, where the delicate butterfly still survives thanks to pockets of suitable habitat.
Kaitlyn Elverson, community ranger for Shropshire Hills, said: "Following a successful first work party in December where volunteers helped us by removing vegetation from roadside edges, we're really looking forward to welcoming some new faces and continuing this important work."
The conservation project focuses on preserving the ride-side and glade habitats that support the butterfly in the working woodland around the Iron Age hill fort.
Tasks for volunteers include raking and removing cut vegetation, clearing overgrown gorse and bramble, and creating habitat piles from natural debris.
These activities are designed to improve conditions not just for the Wood White, but for other woodland and invertebrate species as well.
No experience is needed to take part, though volunteers should expect physical work. All equipment will be supplied.
The project is funded by the Conservation Fund from Shropshire Hills National Landscapes and is supported by Butterfly Conservation.
A volunteer day is being held on Wednesday, February 4, starting at 10am.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Kaitlyn.elverson@forestryengland.uk.
The Wood White has suffered a dramatic decline due to changes in land and woodland management.
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