National Trust initiative: marsh violet planting crucial for rare UK butterfly survival

The project seeks to address the significant decline in the butterfly’s distribution, which has plummeted by 71% since the mid-1970s, leading to its classification as vulnerable. Placing a strong emphasis on habitat restoration, the planting of marsh violets is anticipated to create vital habitats not only for the small pearl-bordered fritillary but also for other increasingly scarce species like snipe, curlew, and devil’s bit scabious flowers.

Charlie Bell, a project manager at the National Trust, highlighted the importance of marsh violets for the small pearl-bordered fritillary, explaining that the caterpillars rely on the plant’s leaves as their primary food source. While the butterflies and caterpillars largely ignore the flowers themselves, preferring nectar from other plants, the presence of marsh violets is crucial for sustaining their populations.

The initiative aims to bolster existing fritillary colonies by planting marsh violets in close proximity, thereby enhancing the caterpillars’ food supply and facilitating the connectivity of isolated groups. By promoting movement between populations, the project seeks to safeguard against the risk of extinction posed by habitat fragmentation.

While the butterflies may not start laying eggs until next summer, the National Trust plans to plant 20,000 marsh violets this year, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments to techniques based on spring planting outcomes.

Collaborating with organizations like the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership, as well as engaging landowners and volunteers, the initiative has garnered support from conservationists like Dave Wainwright of Butterfly Conservation, who emphasized the importance of creating suitable conditions for marsh violet survival and landscape connectivity.

John Tilt of the West Midlands Butterfly Conservation group echoed the sentiment, praising the project’s efforts to revive a species once supported by traditional woodland management practices that have since waned.