Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England ... · Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England Conservation Strategy 2007 ... Both organisations will strive towards

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Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England; Conservation Strategy

2007 – 2017

Review 2012/13

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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

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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 ..... 41

Appendix 4: Key policies & strategies affecting Forestry and Biodiversity post-2010 ................................................................................................................................... 42

Appendix 5i. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by FC District 2012 .............................................................................................................. 44

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 .................................................................................................... 55

North District .............................................................................................................. 59 South District ............................................................................................................. 63

Ampfield Wood .......................................................................................................... 63

West District .............................................................................................................. 69 Yorkshire District ....................................................................................................... 75

Westonbirt Arboretum ............................................................................................... 79

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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:

Prevent further extinctions Stabilise colonies and numbers Increase populations and range of the BAP Priority Species that require

targeted woodland management

2.2 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.

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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.

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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.

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Priority Site Grade Sites Disposed

Sites Disposed FC District 2007-2012 Sites Disposed species Asc.

A Rewell Wood South Pearl-bordered Fritillary

B Bramfield Wood East White Admiral, White Letter Hairstreak

C Balls Wood and Woodhouse South & East

White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary

Totals 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

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK_Post2010_Bio-Fwork.pdf

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK_Post2010_Bio-Fwork.pdf

http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4958719460769792

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*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:

Common name Taxon name (= synonym)

FC Species Score

Action text Action priority

Priority Group (as defined by Natural England)

Argent and Sable Rheumaptera hastata

15 EWGS designed to encourage open woodland with abundant birch re-growth.

Medium 3

Basil-thyme Case-bearer

Coleophora tricolor 15

Agri-env schemes designed to preserve its specialised early-successional habitat. Its specific requirements are not fully understood & BC should be consulted for detailed advice.

Medium 3

Betony Case-bearer

Coleophora wockeella

15

EWGS to maintain the open glades and clearings in woodlands and encourage growth of the larval food plant (betony).

Medium 3

Drab Looper Minoa murinata 15 EWGS to maintain the open areas in ancient woodlands which this species requires.

Medium 3

Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina 15

Secure habitat management at all sites through HLS where possible/ practical; this species is covered under the Farmland Butterfly Initiative (FBI).

Urgent 3

Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia 15

Secure habitat management at all sites through EWGS where HLS not possible/ practical.

Medium 3

High Brown Fritillary

Argynnis adippe 15

Secure habitat management at all sites through HLS (FBI) where possible/ practical; this species is covered under the Farmland Butterfly Initiative (FBI)

Urgent 3

Lunar Yellow Underwing

Noctua orbona 15 EWGS to preserve the open woodland glades where this species occurs.

Medium 3

Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Boloria euphrosyne

15

Secure habitat management at all sites through EWGS where HLS not possible/ practical.

Urgent 3

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Boloria Selene 15

EWGS (based on regular rotational ride/ glade maintenance, or a suitable coppicing regime).

Medium 3

Wood White Leptidea sinapis 15

EWGS (based on regular rotational ride/ glade maintenance, or a suitable coppicing regime).

Medium 3

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Section 41 and UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a secondary habitat but active management necessary:

Common name

Taxon name (= synonym)

FC Species Score



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.

Medium 3

Barred Tooth-striped

Trichopteryx polycommata

5 EWGS to maintain/ restore wide woodland glades and edge habitats where privet can flourish.

Low 3

Buttoned Snout*

Hypena rostralis

5

Brown Hairstreak

Thecla betulae

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.

Medium 3

Clay Fan-Foot

Paracolax tristalis

5 EWGS to maintain woodland glades and other suitable open areas in woodlands.

Medium 3

Common Fan-foot

Pechipogo strigilata

5

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.

Medium 3

Dingy Mocha

Cyclophora pendularia

5

Agri-env schemes designed to preserve the damp grasslands and heathlands where the required willows grow inn un-shaded situations.

Medium 3

Dingy Skipper

Erynnis tages

5 EWGS (based on regular rotational maintenance of wide glades/rides).

Low 3

False Mocha

Cyclophora porata

5 EWGS to provide the coppiced woodland & clearings/ glades it requires.

Medium 4

Grayling Hipparchia semele

5 Agri-env schemes to preserve its specialised, early successional habitat.

Low 3

Grizzled Skipper

Pyrgus malvae

5 EWGS (based on regular rotational maintenance of wide glades/rides).

Low 3

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Common name


FC Species Score



Large Heath

Coenonympha tullia

5

Agri-env schemes suitably tailored to maintain the specific (wet boggy mire) habitat, with water levels properly maintained and sites not overgrazed.

Medium 2

Marsh Fritillary

Euphydryas aurinia

5

Secure habitat management at all sites through HLS where possible/ practical; this species is covered under the Farmland Butterfly Initiative (FBI)

Urgent 3

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Hemaris tityus 5

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.

Medium 3

Northern Brown Argus

Aricia artaxerxes

5

Ensure that grazing of upland limestone grasslands is not too intensive and thus accommodates the needs of this butterfly.

Medium 3

Olive Crescent

Trisateles emortualis

5

EWGS designed to maintain suitable numbers of mature trees with damaged branches, producing the preferred larval food plant of withered leaves.

Medium 3

Scarce Aspen Knot-horn

Sciota hostilis 5

Little-known species and a better knowledge of its autecology is required to fully understand the reasons for its decline.

Urgent 3

Scarce Aspen Midget Moth

Phyllonorycter sagitella

5

EWGS to maintain suitable woodland habitat with sufficient aspen; may need autecological studies as well as reasons for decline may not be fully known.

Medium 3

Silver-studded 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

Square-spotted Clay*

Xestia rhomboidea

5

Striped Lychnis

Shargacucullia lychnitis

5 Agri-env schemes to ensure good supply of larval food plant.

Medium 3

Waved Carpet*

Hydrelia sylvata

5

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Section 41 and UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:

Common name


FC Species Score



Dark Crimson Underwing

Catocala sponsa

3 EWGS designed to preserve suitable numbers of large, mature oaks in the species range & habitat.

Medium 1

Heart Moth Dicycla oo 3

Agri-env schemes designed to preserve mature & veteran oaks in hedgerows, field margins, commons, woodland edge etc.

Medium 4

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

White Letter Hairstreak

Satyrium w-album

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

White-Spotted Pinion

Cosmia diffinis

3

EWGS designed to preserve English Elms in woodlands & woodland edge (including protection against Dutch Elm Disease).

Medium 4

Other key species occurring in woodland:

The Concolorous

Chortodes extrema

1

EWGS designed to maintain/ enhance the damp woodland habitat where it grows (including encouraging growth of larval food plant).

Medium 4

Table 2. Section 41 species actions

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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

2012 Review

Original Strategy 2007

Post Disposals

A 85 77 76

B 27 33 32

C 24 30 28

Totals 136 140 136

Table 3. Total number of Priority Sites Grades 2007 and 2012

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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 shade-tollerant 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).

Comment [c1]: I don’t think we should include the High Brown as an example here as it is a bracken/grassland species in general, I know some sites are FC in Morecambe Bay but in general we don’t use it as the best woodland example although the decline is huge. Giving duke and pearl example is more representative for England as a whole.

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Figure 2. Graphs displaying the trends in woodland butterflies from 1990-2009 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 19th 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 well-shaded 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

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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 re-growth (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 re-colonisation 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 broad-leaved 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

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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).

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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 **

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.

>15

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.

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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

Description

Favourable Improving

The site is already in favourable condition and current ongoing management efforts could only work to improve the site further.

Favourable The site is being managed appropriately for the Lepidoptera species present.

Unfavourable Recovering

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.

Unfavourable No Change

The site is in unfavourable condition but is neither declining nor recovering. Further management is required to achieve unfavourable recovering status.

Unfavourable Declining

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.

5.2 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.

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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).

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Site Name FC District 2012

Butterfly Conservation Project Name

Site Grade 2007

Site Grade 2012

Change in Total Species Score

Species Not Recorded 2012

Additional Species Recorded Since 2007

Chicksands Woods East B A 116


X7 moths, x6 butterflies

Vernditch South South East Woods B A 45

Drab Looper, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke of Burgundy

Charlton South Dukes on the Edge B A 15 Drab Looper

Eartham Woods South South East Woods B A 15 Drab Looper

Houghton Wood South South East Woods C A 15


Ribbesford Wood West Midlands Fritillary C A 15


Tidenham Chase Woods West C A 15 Drab Looper

Cann Wood, Plym Forest West C A 15


Moreton South B A 5 Dingy Mocha

Park & Queen Copse South C B 5 Dingy Mocha

Red Lodge Wood West B C -8

White Letter Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak

Chicksands Woods-Additional

Species=

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

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Site Grade 2007

Site Grade 2012




Forest of Dean (Highmeadow) West

Herefordshire Wood White Project A A 36

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Drab Looper, Fletchers Pug, Common Fan-foot

Great Plantation West

Saving Devons Precious Pearls A A 19

Grizzled Skipper

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,White Admiral,Silver-washed Fritillary

Somerford Common West A A 19

Dark Green Fritillary

Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary

Grovely Wood South Dukes on the Edge A A 15


Whiteley Pastures (formally Botley Wood) South

South East Woods A A 15

Possible Pearl-bordered Fritillary colonisastion or unauthourised introduction

Cannock Chase Central

Still being assessed A A 15 Argent and Sable

Stonedown South A A 15 Drab Looper

Wigmore Rolls West


White Letter Hairstreak Drab Looper

North Wood West

Saving Devons Precious Pearls A A 13

Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, ?Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper


Dymock Woods West


Argent and Sable

Barred Tooth-striped, Fletchers Pug, Wood White

Friston Forest East (part) HLS A A 5 Olive Crsent

Wareham Forest South A A 5 Dingy Mocha

Forest of Dean (Drybrook Rd Station etc) West A A 5 Grayling

Pearl-bordered Fritillary , Dichomeris ustellala

Bedford Purlieus Central WREN; BIFFA B B 3

Square-spotted Clay


Dalby Forest Yorkshire

North York Moore Dukes and Pearls A A

Waverley Wood & Weston Wood West

Midlands Fritillary B B 1

Grizzled Skipper

Silver-washed Fritillary

Shrawley Wood West B B 1 Schiffermullerina grandis

Table 5. Priority Site Increases in Total Species Score

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Site Grade 2007

Site Grade 2012




Chiddingfold South South East Woods A A -45

Argent and Sable, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Parkhurst Forest South South East Woods A A -15


Blackdown Forest West A A -10

Brown Hairstreak, Marsh Fritillary

Lydford West A A -5 Grizzled Skipper

Oversley Wood West Herefordshire Wood White Project A A -2 Grizzled Skipper

Mortimer Forest West

Herefordshire Wood White Project A A -1 Dark Green Fritillary

Purslow Wood West Conserving the Wood White butterfly A A -1


Table 6. Priority Site Decreases in Total Species Score

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5.4 Summary Statistics 2012/13

Forest District

Total Grade

A Woods

Grade B

Woods

Grade C

Woods

Total number of sites

assessed as “Favourable”

habitat condition

2007 BAP Priority Species that are principally woodland species and require urgent targeted

management:

Central 21 13 4 4 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, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Wood White

West 34 26 4 4 16 Drab Looper, Duke of Burgundy, Heath Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered 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

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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

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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.butterfly-conservation.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.

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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.

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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 Rheumaptera hastata Moth 15

Basil Thyme Case-bearer Coleophora tricolor Moth 15

Betony Case-bearer Coleophora wockeella Moth 15

Drab Looper Minoa murinata Moth 15 Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Butterfly 15 Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia Butterfly 15 High-Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Butterfly 15 Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona Moth 15 Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne Butterfly 15 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Boloria selene Butterfly 15

Wood White Leptidea sinapis Butterfly 15

Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a secondary habitat but active management necessary:

Species Score

Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata Moth 5

Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata Moth 5

Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Butterfly 5 Buttoned Snout* Hypena rostralis Moth 5 Clay Fan-foot Paracolax tristalis Moth 5 Common Fan-foot Pechipogo strigilata Moth 5 Dingy Mocha Cyclophora pendularia Moth 5 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Butterfly 5 False Mocha Cyclophora porata Moth 5 Grayling Hipparchia semele Butterfly 5 Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Butterfly 5 Large Heath Coenonympha tullia Butterfly 5 Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Butterfly 5

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Hemaris tityus Moth 5

Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxe Butterfly 5 Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis Moth 5 Scarce Aspen Knot-horn Phyllonorycter sagitella Moth 5 Scarce Aspen Midget moth Sciota hostilis Moth 5 Silver-studded Blue Plebeius argus Butterfly 5 Speckled Footman Coscinia cribraria Moth 5 Square-spotted Clay* Xestia rhomboidea Moth 5 Striped Lychnis Shargacucullia lychnitis Moth 5 Waved Carpet* Hydrelia sylvata Moth 5

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Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:

Species Score

Dark Crimson Underwing Catocala sponsa Moth 3

Heart Moth Dicycla oo Moth 3

Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa Moth 3

Scarce Merveille du Jour* Moma alpium Moth 3

White Admiral Limenitis camilla Butterfly 3

White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album Butterfly 3

White-line Snout* Schrankia taenialis Moth 3 White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis Moth 3


Species Score

Bedstraw Hawk-moth* Hyles gallii Moth 1

Black Hairstreak* Satyrium pruni Butterfly 1

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth* Hemaris fuciformis Moth 1

Concolorous Chortodes extrema Moth 1

Dark Green Fritillary* Argynnis aglaja Butterfly 1

* Dictiomeris ustalella Moth 1

* Elegia similella Moth 1

Fletcher’s or Pauper Pug* Eupithecia egenaria Moth 1

* Oecophora bractella Moth 1

Purple Emperor* Apatura iris Butterfly 1

Reed Leopard* Phragmataecia castaneae Moth 1

* Salebriopsis albicilla Moth 1

* Schiffermuellerina grandis Moth 1

Silver-washed Fritillary* Argynnis paphia Butterfly 1

Triangle* Heterogenea asella Moth 1

Welsh Clearwing* Synanthedon scoliaeformis Moth 1

White-banded Carpet* Spargania luctuata Moth 1

*Species not included in the NERC Section 41 list

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35

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:

Common Name Scientific 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

*Argent & Sable Rheumaptera hastata BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Open woodland with birch re-growth Maintain a constant supply of small birches (<2m) in sunny situations. Short rotation coppice.

*Basil Thyme Case-bearer

Coleophora tricolor BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Found on unimproved Breck grassland Ensure a year on year supply of Basil Thyme. Ground disturbance may be needed.

Betony Case-bearer Coleophora wockeella Proposed BAP Priority

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Woodland rides where Betony occurs Ensure annual continuity of foodplant.

*Drab Looper Minoa murinata BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 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.

*Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Proposed BAP Priority

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_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 WACA-Sch5_sect9

Newly cleared or coppiced woodland with abundant Cow-wheat

Regular coppicing essential, preferably with broad interlinking rides.

*High-Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_sect9

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.

*Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list 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.

*Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Boloria euphrosyne BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_sect9

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.

*Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Boloria selene Proposed BAP Priority

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list 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.

*Wood White Leptidea sinapis Proposed BAP Priority


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.

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Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species where woodland is a secondary habitat but active management necessary:





*Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_sect9 Mainly open hedgerows or wood edges

Retain all hedges containing Barberry & plant new bushes if possible. Rotational winter pruning.

*Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata

BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 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.

Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Proposed BAP Priority

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_sect9 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.

*Buttoned Snout Hypena rostralis BAP Priority 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.

Clay Fan-foot Paracolax tristalis BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Sunny but sheltered felled or coppiced areas in broadleaved woodland

Poorly understood requirements.

*Common Fan-foot Pechipogo strigilata BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Open woodland and recently abandoned coppice

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.

*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 small-leaved 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


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.

37



Biodiversity Lists –Section 41 England


*Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia BAP Priority Species


Open grassland adjacent to woodland

Maintain open, sunny areas of shorter vegetation with Devil’s-bit Scabious

*Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Hemaris tityus BAP Priority Species

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Open grassland adjacent to woodland Maintain open, sunny areas of shorter vegetation with Devil’s-bit Scabious

*Northern Brown Argus

Aricia artaxerxe BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list WACA-Sch5_sect9

Sheltered, well-drained, unimproved grassland.

Maintain uneven sward and light winter grazing

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 Knot-horn

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 WACA-Sch5_sect9

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 UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list 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.

38

Section 41 and former UKBAP Priority Species associated with mature trees:





*Dark Crimson Underwing

Catocala sponsa BAP Priority 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.

*Heart Moth Dicycla oo BAP Priority 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.

*Light Crimson Underwing

Catocala promissa BAP Priority 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.

Scarce Merveille du Jour

Moma alpium BAP Priority Mature oak Retain stands of mature oak and ensure a continuity of supply of such situations.

*White Admiral Limenitis camilla Proposed BAP Priority

UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list Shady woodland and ride edges Retain areas of deciduous woodland with Honeysuckle in shady positions

*White-letter Hairstreak

Satyrium w-album Proposed BAP Priority


Sheltered rides, glades and unkempt hedges with elms

Retain and extend area of suckering elms.

White-line Snout Schrankia taenialis BAP Priority Damp broad-leaved woodland, coppiced woodland and conifer plantations

Precise habitat requirements are not fully understood, likely to prefer shady, sheltered situations.

*White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis BAP Priority UKBAP-2007 England_NERC_list 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.

39

*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



Biodiversity Action Plan UK list of priority species 2007 review/National Red List

Biodiversity Lists – Section 41 Country


Bedstraw Hawk-moth Hyles gallii Key Species Disturbed ground with Rosebay Willowherb

Ensure annual continuity of foodplant.

*Black Hairstreak Satyrium pruni

BAP Species of conservation concern

Endangered WACA-Sch5_sect9 Dense, tall stands of Blackthorn, either within woods or in thick hedgerows

Maintain patches of dense Blackthorn. Cut extensive patches of Blackthorn on long rotations to prevent from becoming moribund.

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Hemaris fuciformis Nationally Scarce

Rides and clearings in open woodland Maintain rides and clearings where Honeysuckle grows.

Concolorous Chortodes extrema Red data book UKBAP-2007/ Rare

England_NERC_list Marshy open clearing within lowland ancient woodland

Maintain open marshy areas with Wood Small-reed.

*Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja Key Species Woodland glades and open habitat Maintain open sunny rides and glades.

Dictiomeris ustalella Provisional Red data book

Endnagered Small-leaved Lime coppice Coppice small-leaved lime.

Elegia similella Nationally Scarce

Notable-B Mature oak woods and parkland with large oaks

Maintain supply of large oak, possibly has a preference for oaks in open situations.

Fletcher’s or Pauper Pug Eupithecia egenaria Red data book species

Rare Ancient lime wood and avenues of lime Ensure continuity of flowering limes.

Oecophora bractella Provisional Red data book

Larva feed in dead bark of decaying wood

Retain dead wood.

Purple Emperor Apatura iris

BAP conservation concern

Near Threatened WACA-Sch5_sect9 Mature deciduous woodland with abundant oaks and sallows

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.

Reed Leopard Phragmataecia castaneae

Red data book species

Vulnerable Fens, marshes and margins of ponds Avoid disturbance of habitat. Maintain constant and annual supply of Common Reed. Maintain existing water levels.

Salebriopsis albicilla Provisional Red data book

Rare Ancient lime woodland Retain a continuity of supply of Small-leaved Lime.

Schiffermuellerina grandis

Proposed BAP Priority

Deciduous ancient woodland and hedgerows

Retain dead wood. Found especially on dry, dead standing branches of oak, elm, Ivy and gorse.

*Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia

BAP Species of conservation concern

Well thinned deciduous woodland with sunny rides and glades

Regular thinning of deciduous high forest to create dappled shade conditions, combined with maintenance of sunny rides. Rotational coppicing also suitable.

Triangle Heterogenea asella Red data book species

Rare oak and beech woodland Maintain a continuity of supply of large oak and/or beeches.

Welsh Clearwing Synanthedon scoliaeformis

Red data book species

Rare Wales_NERC_list Open birch woodland and scrub on hillsides of wet, acidic pasture and moorland

Ensure supply of mature birches in open sunny situations.

White-banded Carpet Spargania luctuata Nationally Scarce

Woodland rides and clearings Maintain annual supply of foodplant in open situations. Some ground disturbance may be required.

40

41

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 260143ha 100%

Estimated area of Priority Butterfly Sites 1610 – 8050ha* 0.6 – 3%

Year 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%

Priority Lepidoptera Sites with Ancient Woodland**

108*** 103 79% 75%

* 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.

42

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

43

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.

44

Appendix 5i. Priority Forestry Commission Lepidoptera sites in England by FC District 2012

CENTRAL

SITE NAME SITE

GRADE 2007

SITE GRADE 2012/13

Total Species Score change

2007-2012

FORMER FC DISTRICT

Bardney Limewoods A A 0 Sherwood

Bedford Purlieus B B 3 Northants

Bishop's Wood A A 0 West Midlands

Burnt Wood A A 0 West Midlands

Cannock Chase A A 15 West Midlands

Fermyn Woods and Titchmarsh Woods A A 0 Northants

Fineshade Wood B B 0 Northants

Hardwick & Sywell Wood A A 0 Northants

Harry's Park A A 0 Northants

Hazleborough Main block (includes, Bucknell, Hazleborough and Brackley hatch) A A 0 Northants

Hugsett Wood C C 0 Sherwood

Plumpton C C 0 Northants

Salcey Forest A A 0 Northants

Wakerley Great Wood B B 0 Northants

Wellow Park C C 0 Sherwood

West Wood C C 0 Northants

Whistley Wood A A 0 Northants

Whitfield A A 0 Northants

Whitwell Wood B B 0 Sherwood

Wicken Wood & Park Copse A A 0 Northants

Yardley Chase A A 0 Northants

EAST

Abbots Wood A A 0 South East England

Battle Great Wood C C 0 South East England

Beckley Wood A A 0 South East England

Bedgebury C C 0 South East England

Bernwood Forest A A 0 South East England

Burwash B B 0 South East England

Chicksands Woods A B 116 Northants

Clowes Wood A A 0 South East England

College and Home Wood B B 0 Northants

Cranwich Camp A A 0 East Anglia

Darwell Wood B B 0 South East England

Denge Wood A A 0 South East England

Dunwich Forest A A 0 East Anglia

Friston Forest A A 5 South East England

Frosts Common B B 0 East Anglia

Hills and Holes C C 0 East Anglia

Homefield A A 0 South East England

Horsford Wood C C 0 East Anglia

Hurst Fen (Mildenhall) B B 0 East Anglia

Kings Forest A A 0 East Anglia

45

EAST

SITE NAME SITE

GRADE 2007

SITE GRADE 2012/13


2007-2012

FORMER FC DISTRICT

Maresfield (High and Park Wood) NB-Part disposal C C 0 South East England

Marsham Wood C C 0 East Anglia

Maulden Wood A A 0 Northants

Orlestone Forest A A 0 South East England

Potton Wood B B 0 Northants

Rendlesham Forest A A 0 East Anglia

Sheffield Forest C C 0 South East England

St Leonards B B 0 South East England

Tunstall Forest A A 0 East Anglia

Washers & Dainty B B 0 Northants

Wendover B B 0 South East England

West Harling Woods A A 0 East Anglia

West Toffs Pit C C 0 East Anglia

Wilstead Wood B B 0 Northants

NORTH

Barrowfield & Honeybee Wood A A 0 North West

Chopwell Woods C C 0 Kielder

Dalton Crags A A 0 North West

Fourlaws (Aid Moss) A A 0 Kielder

Grizedale Forest A A 0 North West

Hampsfield Fell A A 0 North West

Hamsterley Forest C C 0 Kielder

Harbottle and Holystone Burn C C 0 Kielder

High Stand C C 0 North West

Kielder Forest A A 0 Kielder

Underlaid A A 0 North West

Whitbarrow A A 0 North West

SOUTH

Alice Holt Forest C C 0 South East England

Ampfield Wood B B 0 South East England

Ashmore (formerly Stubhampton Bottom and Washers Pit) A A 0 New Forest

Bouldnor Copse A A 0 South East England

Bramshill C C 0 South East England

Brighstone Forest B B 0 South East England

Charlton A B 15 South East England

Chiddingfold A A -45 South East England

Combley Great Wood (Briddlesford Copses) B B 0 South East England

Crowthorne Woods/Swinley Park B B 0 South East England

Eartham Woods A B 15 South East England

Firestone Copse C C 0 South East England

46

SOUTH

SITE NAME SITE

GRADE 2007

SITE GRADE 2012/13


2007-2012 FORMER FC DISTRICT

Forest of Bere B B 0 South East England

Grovely Wood A A 15 New Forest

Hethfelton Wood B B 0 New Forest

Houghton Wood A C 15 South East England

Moreton A B 5 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) A A 0 New Forest

Park & Queen Copse B C 5 New Forest

Parkhurst Forest A A -15 South East England

Rempstone B B 0 New Forest

Stonedown A A 15 New Forest

Vernditch A B 45 New Forest

Wareham Forest A A 5 New Forest

West Wood A A 0 South East England

Whiteley Pastures (formally Botley Wood) A A 15 South East England

WEST

Arley Wood C C 0 West Midlands

Blackdown Forest A A -10 Peninsula

Blakeridge Wood A A 0 West Midlands

Bucknell Wood A A 0 West Midlands

Cann Wood, Plym Forest A C 15 Peninsula

Cookworthy A A 0 Peninsula

Dunmere C C 0 Peninsula

Dymock Woods A A 6 Forest of Dean

Eastridge Wood C C 0 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). A A 5 Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean (Highmeadow) A A 36 Forest of Dean

Great Plantation A A 19 Peninsula

Haldon Forest A A 0 Peninsula

Haugh Wood A A 0 Forest of Dean

Herrods Foot Woods A A 0 Peninsula

Hopton Wood A A 0 West Midlands

47

WEST

SITE NAME SITE

GRADE 2007

SITE GRADE 2012/13


2007-2012

FORMER FC DISTRICT

Lydford A A -5 Peninsula

Mortimer Forest A A -1 West Midlands

Nether Wood A A 0 Forest of Dean

North Wood A A 13 Peninsula

Oversley Wood A A -2 West Midlands

Purslow Wood A A -1 West Midlands

Radnor and Bury Ditches A A 0 West Midlands

Red Lodge Wood C B -8 Forest of Dean

Ribbesford Wood A C 15 West Midlands

Savernake Forest B B 0 Forest of Dean

Shelve Woodland B B 0 West Midlands

Shobdon (inc. Mere Hill and Sned) A A 0 West Midlands

Shrawley Wood B B 1 West Midlands

Somerford Common A A 19 Forest of Dean

Tidenham Chase Woods A C 15 Forest of Dean

Waverley Wood & Weston Wood B B 1 West Midlands

Wigmore Rolls A A 15 West Midlands

Wyre Forest A A 0 West Midlands

WESTONBIRT

Westonbirt Arboretum B B 0 Glouc.

YORKSHIRE

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

LIGHT GREY = CHANGE IN PRIORITY SITE GRADE

VERY LIGHT GREY = CHANGE IN SPECIES SCORE

48

49

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

50

51

Central Forest District Sherwood Pines Forest Park

Edwinstowe Mansfield

Notts NG21 9JL

52

53

Central District Strategy Sites

Strategy Site Name County BC Branch FDP NameFDP

Number

FDP Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date

BC

Project

Monitoring

2012Grid Ref

Designati

on 2007Area Moths 2012

Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012

Notes 2012 Additional 2012-2017

Bardney

LimewoodsLincolnshire Lincolnshire Bardney 61 29/10/2022 29/10/2017 TF120743

Part SSSI,

NNR

1229 (12 -

61)0

Wood White, White Admiral, White-

letter Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak,

Black Hairstreak

27 27 AUnfavourable,

recovering

Regular Limewood management

meetings. Recording reports

produced.

Cannock Chase Staffordshire West Midlands Cannock 1 31/03/2015 01/04/2007Still being

assessed

SPBF Timed

counts

annually

SK000164 Part SSSI2346 (23 -

117)

Argent & Sable,

Welsh Clearwing16

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy

Skipper20 36 A Favourable

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

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.

Bishop's Wood Staffordshire West Midlands North Staffs 3 20/12/2016 20/12/2011Species

SurveySJ753312 N/A

351(4 -

18)Argent & Sable 15 0 15 A Favourable A&S last record 2005

Burnt Wood Staffordshire West Midlands North Staffs 3 20/12/2016 20/12/2011

Identified as

national

monitoring site

for Argent

SJ736352 Part SSSI 88 (1 - 4) Argent & Sable 15 0 15 AUnfavourable,

recovering

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

Fermyn Woods and

Titchmarsh WoodsNorthants Beds & Northants

Rockingham

Forest6 26/10/2016 31/03/2011

WREN;

BIFFASP979835

Incorporat

es

Sudborou

gh Green

SSSI

384 (4 -

19)0

Dingy Skipper, White Admiral,

Grizzled Skipper, White-letter

Hairstreak, Purple Emperor, Black

Hairstreak


declining

No active management, very poor ride

condition. Populations appear stable at

this time

Harry's Park Northants Beds & NorthantsRockingham

Forest6 26/10/2016 31/03/2011 SP942873 N/A

232 (2 -

12)0 Wood White, Black Hairstreak 20 20 A

Unfavourable,

declining

Salcey Forest Northants Beds & Northants

Salcey Forest,

Yardley Chase

& West

9 10/01/2018 09/01/2013 SP804511Part SSSI

& NR

496 (5 -

25)0


letter Hairstreak, Silver-washed

Fritillary, Black Hairstreak

23 23 A Favourable

Historic records for Common Fan-foot,

Heart moth & Square-spotted Clay.

Wood White declining

Yardley Chase Northants Beds & Northants

Salcey Forest,

Yardley Chase

& West

9 10/01/2018 09/01/2013 SITA SP847529 Part SSSI 143 (1 - 7) Heart Moth 3Wood White, White Admiral, White-

letter Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak22 25 A Favourable

Hardwick & Sywell

WoodNorthants Beds & Northants

Sywell &

Hardwick8 31/03/2017 SITA SP827696 N/A 137 (1 - 7) 0 Wood White, White Admiral 16 16 A

Unfavourable,

declining

Not recently visited for Lepidoptera

survey

Whitfield Bucks Upper ThamesWhittlewood

Forest12 11/12/2018 13/12/2013 SP642392 N/A 38 (0 - 2) 0


letter Hairstreak21 21 A

Unfavourable,

declining

Hazleborough Main

block (includes,

Bucknell,

Hazleborough and

Brackley hatch)

Northants Beds & NorthantsWhittlewood

Forest12 11/12/2018 13/12/2013 SP651429 N/A

590 (6 -

30)Concolorous 1

Wood White, White Admiral, Purple

Emperor19 20 A

Unfavourable,

declining

Whistley Wood Northants Beds & NorthantsWhittlewood

Forest12 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 CopseNorthants Beds & Northants

Whittlewood

Forest12 11/12/2018 13/12/2013 SP731401 N/A 99 (1 - 5) 0


letter Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak22 22 A

Unfavourable,

declining

54

Central District Strategy Sites


Number

FDP Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date

BC

Project

Monitoring

2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Bedford Purlieus Cambridgeshire Cambs & EssexPeterborough

woods4 31/03/2016

WREN;

BIFFATL040995 SSSI

207 (2 -

10)Concolorous 6

White-letter Hairstreak, White

Admiral, Black Hairstreak, Silver-

washed Fritillary

8 14 BUnfavourable,

recoverin

Historic records Barred Tooth-striped,

Chalk Carpet, Argent & Sable,

Bordered Gothic, Four-spotted, White-

spotted Pinion

Fineshade Wood Northants Beds & NorthantsRockingham

Forest6 26/10/2016 31/03/2011 SP987984 N/A

497 (5 -

25)Concolorous 1

White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,

White-letter Hairstreak11 12 B

Wakerley Great

WoodNorthants Beds & Northants

Rockingham

Forest6 26/10/2016 31/03/2011 SP956977 N/A

262 (3 -

13)0


Grizzled Skipper13 13 B

Unfavourable,

declining

Whitwell Wood Derbyshire Peak District Whitwell 23 31/03/2016 14/04/2008 SK523782 N/A170 (2 -

9)0

Dingy Skipper, White-letter

Hairstreak8 8 B Favourable Dingy Skipper population declining

West Wood Bedfordshire Beds & Northants

Salcey Forest,

Yardley Chase

& West

9 10/01/2018 09/01/2013 ?Transect SP992625 N/A 83 (1 - 4) 0 White Admiral 3 3 C FavourableHistoric records for Grizzled Skipper &

species found on adjacent site

Wellow Park Notts Notts Wellow Park 29 31/03/2017 11/01/2007 SK684672 SSSI 130 (1 - 7) 0 White-letter Hairstreak 3 3 CUnfavourable,

recoverin

Plumpton Northants Beds & NorthantsWhittlewood

Forest12 11/12/2018 13/12/2013 SP602495 N/A 61 (1 - 3) 0 White Admiral 3 3 C Favourable

Hugsett Wood South Yorkshire Yorkshire SE304067 N/A34 (0.3 -

2)0 White-letter Hairstreak 3 3 C

55

East Forest District Santon Downham

Brandon Suffolk

IP27 0TJ

56

57

East District Strategy Sites


Number

FDP Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date

BC

Project

Monitoring

2012Grid Ref

Designation

2007Area Moths 2012

Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Abbots Wood Sussex Sussex Abbots Wood 20 31/03/2014 31/03/2019 TQ566077 N/A353 (4 -

18)0

Pearl-bordered Fritillary,

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy

Skipper, White Admiral, Grizzled

Skipper, Silver-washed Fritil


recovering

Historic Common Fan-foot.

Reintroduced Pearl-bordered

Fritillary.Record numbers of Pearl-

bordered Fritillary in 2011 following

reintroduction. The success (and

publicity) has inspired other local

initiatives.

Very good status. Can Stuart Sutton

implement firewood scallops as a

compensatory effect for loss of conifer

clearfells over time? Stuart needs

support at the strategic level for this

approach. This is a focal site given the

failure of other reintroduction sites in

respect of PBF.

Beckley Wood Sussex Sussex High Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014

South

East

Woods

Monitoring TQ858220 N/A193 (2 -

10)

Clay Fan-foot , Scarce Merveille

du Jour, Olive Cresent, Waved

Carpet, White-line Snout

21White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,

Silver-washed Fritillary30 30 A

Unfavourable,

no change

This wood will be a key area in the South

East Woods Project. Probably the best

site for moth diversity in the country.

Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.

Grizzled Skipper declining. CFF&OC

records 2005

Improved since last assessment. SITA

bid implemented. Ride network

enhanced. Grizzled skipper still present.

Establishing an ongoing ride

management regime. Needs more

survey input.

Bernwood Forest OxfordshireUpper

Thames

Bernwood -

Shabbington,

Waterperry,

Chinkwell

18 31/07/2015 01/08/2010 Transect SP614107 SSSI & FNR467 (5 -

23)Common Fan-foot 5


Brown Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak19 19 A

Unfavourable,

recovering

Branch volunteer group involved.

Monitoring by transect, Joint Berwood

Biodiversity area. Forester also

recorded2006-2009

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.

Chicksands Woods BedfordshireBeds &

Northants

Greensand

Ridge13 06/03/2016 TL098398 N/A 114 (1 - 6)

Argent & Sable, Common Fan-

foot, Clay Fan-foot, White-line

Snout, Waved Carpet, Drab

looper, Coleophora wockeella

63

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-

bordered Fritillary, Wood White,


Grizzled Skipper, Brown Hairstreak,

Purple Emper


recovering

PBF declining. Monitoring by transects &

timed counts. New scallops creating

suitable habitat for 9 UKBAP Priority

species. Wood White stronghold and

confirmed records in other FC sites

outside this woodland.

Clowes Wood Kent Kent Clowes Wood 16Timed

countsTR128631

Adjacent to

SSSI

236 (2 -

12)0 Heath Fritillary 15 15 A

Unfavourable,

recovering

Former Drab Looper site (1980).

Monitoring by timed counts. Continue

collaborative habitat management work.

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.

Cranwich Camp Norfolk Norfolk Mundford 4 31/03/2023 01/04/2018Barred Tooth-striped, Lunar

Yellow Underwing20 Dingy Skipper 5 25 A

Favourable,

improving

Very important site for moths in general.

Historic records for Grizzled Skipper

Denge Wood Kent Kent

Kent North

Downs -

Denge/Eggring

e

15 15/11/2022

South

East

Woods

Transect TR098505 N/A302 (3 -

15)0

Duke of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,

Grizzled Skipper25 25 A Favourable.

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.

Dunwich Forest Suffolk Suffolk Dunwich 30 31/03/2017 01/04/2012 TM462715 N/A514 (5 -

26)

Buttoned Snout, Square-spotted

clay10

Silver-studded Blue, White Admiral,

White-letter Hairstreak11 21 A

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Friston Forest Sussex SussexSouth Downs -

Friston6 31/03/2014 31/03/2019

(part)

HLSTransect TV542999 N/A

850 (9 -

43)

White-line Snout , Barred Tooth-

striped, Olive Cresent13



Hairstreak, Dark Green 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.

Homefield BucksUpper

ThamesChilterns FDP 17 30/03/2017 31/03/2012 Transect SU807870 N/A 99 (1 - 5) Square-spotted Clay 5



Hairstreak


recovering1999 record for Striped Lychnis

Moving in the right direction. Branch input

on top of FE efforts helping to deliver the

fine detail.

Kings Forest Suffolk Suffolk Kings 13 31/03/2016 05/08/2011Annual

surveyTL818741 SSSI/SPA

2333 (23 -

117)Basil Thyme Case-bearer 15 Dingy Skipper, Grayling 10 25 A Favourable

Annual survey for Basil Thyme Case-

bearer

Maulden Wood BedfordshireBeds &

Northants

Greensand

Ridge13 06/03/2016 TL068386 SSSI 183 (2 - 9) 0

Wood White, Grayling, White-letter

Hairstreak21 21 A Favourable

Historic records for Lunar Yellow

Underwing and Sword-grass

Orlestone Forest Kent Kent

Kent Low

Downs -

Orlestone

Forest

14 20/08/2015 20/08/2010 TQ982352 SSSI320 (3 -

16)

Scarce Merveille du Jour, White-

line Snout, Clay Fan-foot, White-

banded carpet, Triangle, Sciota

hostilis

15


Purple Emperor, Silver-washed

Fritillary

10 25 A Favourable

Neighbouring Burnt Oak Wood has good

numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary and

occ. Purple Emperor. Historic records of

Dark Crimson Underwing, Orange

Upperwing, Buttoned Snout

A key moth site historically. Removal of

too much conifer is an issue here with

desire for conifer retention. Winter birch

mulching is likely to benefit moths.

Rendlesham Forest Suffolk Suffolk Rendlesham 32 31/03/2018 31/08/2013 TM340497 SSSI/SPA1426 (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/SPA942 (9 -

47)

Lunar Yellow Underwing,

Square-spotted Clay, Bedstraw

Hawk-moth

21 Grayling, White Admiral 8 29 A Favourable

West Harling

WoodsNorfolk Norfolk Harling 11 31/03/2014 01/04/2019 WREN TL965839 SSSI/SPA

963 (10 -

48)Basil Thyme Case-bearer 15


White-letter Hairstreak11 26 A

Unfavourable,

recoverinHistoric records for Dingy Skipper

58

East District Strategy Sites


Number

FDP Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date

BC

Project

Monitoring

2012Grid Ref

Designation

2007Area Moths 2012

Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Burwash Sussex Sussex High Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014

South

East

Woods

TQ669216 N/A275 (3 -

14)0 White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper 8 8 B

Unfavourable,

no changePart surveyed 2000

Stuart Sutton has improved

management. DH to check Steve

Wheatley's report.

College and Home

WoodBedfordshire

Beds &

Northants

Greensand

Ridge13 06/03/2016 TL141464 N/A 70 (1 - 4) 0

White Admiral, White-letter

Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary7 7 B Favourable

Darwell Wood Sussex Sussex High Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014

South

East

Woods

TQ699199Adjacent to

SSSI144 (1 - 7) 0 Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper 14 14 B

Unfavourable,

no change

Potential for greater liaison between FE

& Southern Water. Former Pearl-

bordered Fritillary site.

Site status OK for the species it

supports.

Frosts Common Norfolk Norfolk Hockham 6 31/03/2014 01/04/2019 TL945931 SSSI/SPA565 (6 -

26)0


Hairstreak6 6 B

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Hurst Fen

(Mildenhall)Suffolk Suffolk Mildenhall 12 31/03/2021 TL732750 SSSI/SPA

388 (4 -

19)Barred Tooth-striped 5


Hairstreak6 11 B Favourable

Potton Wood BedfordshireBeds &

NorthantsPotton Wood 11 06/08/2014

BMS

TransectTL250501 SSSI 95 (1 - 5) White-spotted Pinion 5

White-letter Hairstreak, Silver-

washed Fritillary4 9 B Favourable BMS Transect

St Leonards BucksUpper

ThamesHigh Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014 TQ214309 Part SSSI

244 (2 -

12)0

Silver-studded Blue, Grizzled

Skipper10 10 B

Unfavourable,

recovering

No SSB remain on site. Grizzled skipper

doing well. Heathy woodland corridors

and rhododendron removal have added

to the sites value for lepidoptera.

Washers & Dainty BedfordshireBeds &

Northants

Greensand

Ridge13 06/03/2016 SP993315 N/A 42 (0 - 2) 0


Hairstreak6 6 B Favourable

Wendover BucksUpper

ThamesChilterns FDP 17 30/03/2017 31/03/2012 SP888085 N/A

398 (4 -

20)0

Grizzled Skipper, Purple Emperor,

Silver-washed Fritillary7 7 B Favourable

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

Wilstead Wood BedfordshireBeds &

Northants

Greensand

Ridge13 06/03/2016 TL072425 N/A 62 (1 - 3) 0


Hairstreak6 6 B

Unfavourable,

no change

Battle Great Wood Sussex Sussex High Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014

South

East

Woods

TQ768158 N/A 186 (2 - 9) 0 Grayling 5 5 CUnfavourable,

recovering

Bedgebury Kent Kent High Weald 13 07/01/2019 07/01/2014 TQ725329 N/A892 (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 CUnfavourable,

recoverin

Horsford Wood North Norfolk Norfolk Horsford 24 31/03/2016 01/04/2011 TG198182 N/A245 (2 -

12)0 Silver-studded Blue 5 5 C

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Travellers on site have caused decline in

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

Fritillary4 4 C

Unfavourable,

declining

High Wood disposed of pre-2010 but

Park Wood still PFE managed

Marsham Wood Norfolk Norfolk TG175240 N/A18 (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 WREN TL826906 SSSI/SPA3027 (30 -

151)0 Dingy Skipper 5 5 C

Unfavourable,

declining

Unfavourable, declining due to

motorbikes

59

North District Eals Burn

Bellingham Hexham

Northumberland NE48 2HP

60

61

North District Strategy Sites


Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date

BC ProjectMonitoring

2012Grid Ref

Designation

2007Area Moths 2012

Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Barrowfield &

Honeybee WoodCumbria

North West

(Cumbria)Barrowfield 0 04/12/2022 05/12/2017

Morecambe

Bay

Limestones

Timed counts

on Scout ScarSD479907

Adjacent to

SSSI138 (1 - 7) 0

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern

Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary


recovering

Data refer to Scout Scar on eastern

edge of Barrowfield wood. Monitoring by

timed counts on Scout Scar. Surveyed in

2011 for PBF HBF fritillary butterflies.

None recorded.

Dalton Crags CumbriaNorth West

(Cumbria)Dalton Crags 52 18/03/2023 18/03/2018

Morecambe

Bay

Limestones

Transect SD549767 SSSI 119 (1 - 6) 0

High Brown Fritillary, Pearl-

bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-

bordered Fritillary, Dark Green

Fritillary


recoveringMonitored by transect

Fourlaws (Aid

Moss)Northumbs

North East

EnglandFourlaws 119 15/04/2017 15/04/2012 0

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,

Large Heath20 20 A

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Surveyed for linking habitat in 2013/14.

Possible connectivity work 14/15. PBF

and HBF planned survey work in 2014.

Grizedale Forest CumbriaNorth West

(Cumbria)Grizedale 18 22/07/2018 22/07/2013 SD331943 N/A

2442 (24 -

122)0

High Brown Fritillary, Small Pearl-


Fritillary

32 32 A 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.

Hampsfield Fell CumbriaNorth West

(Cumbria)

Eggerslack &

Hampsfield

Allotment

40 11/09/2016 11/10/2012

Morecambe

Bay

Limestones

Timed Count

2004SD406792 LPP

45 (0.5 -

2)0




Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus

51 51 A Favourable

Records from Hampsfield Allotment,

Hampsfield Fell - Bishops Allotment

support High Brown Fritillary. Northern

Brown Argus records were from

Hampsfield Fell. Monitoring by timed

counts. Surveyed in 2011 for PBF HBF

fritillary butterflies. Low numbers of HBF

seen. 2012 plan to co-ordinate

management accross this whole

landscape, working with small woodland

owners, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, FC to

bring good woodland management for

butterflies with Eggerslack wood central

to it.

Survey work in 2013/14. HBF refound at

China plantation and 1 km further north

during Extensive survey work in

grizedale, in summer 2013 on bike, and

in cars with small volunteer team.

Subsequent management programme

drawn up and submitted to FC. Plans for

more survey work in 2014 with wider

forests surveyed for habitat.

Kielder Forest* NorthumbsNorth East

EnglandDeadwater 103 28/07/2021 28/07/2016 Transect NY651853 Part SSSI

60430

(604 -

3022)

0Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Large Heath, Dark Green Fritillary21 21 A

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Potential habitat for Dingy Skipper on

rides but no current records. Monitoring

by transect

Transect volunteers set up by Dave

Wainwright in April 2014.


EnglandHumble Hill 110 28/07/2021 28/07/2016 Transect NY651853 Part SSSI

60430

(604 -

3022)



Unfavourable,

recoverin



by transect


EnglandKershope 1 17/07/2021 17/07/2016 Transect NY651853 Part SSSI

60430

(604 -

3022)



Unfavourable,

recoverin



by transect


EnglandLewisburn 104 28/07/2021 28/07/2016 Transect NY651853 Part SSSI

60430

(604 -

3022)



Unfavourable,

recoverin



by transect


England

South

Reservoir108 28/07/2021 28/07/2016 Transect NY651853 Part SSSI

60430

(604 -

3022)



Unfavourable,

recoverin



by transect

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

quarry area. 3. plans to improve the

lower area of transect submitted for

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.

Underlaid CumbriaNorth West

(Cumbria)Underlaid 36 15/04/2023 15/04/2018

Morecambe

Bay

Limestones

Transect

started on

Bettham Fell

2005.

SD482793 SSSI 132 (1 - 7) 0



bordered Fritillary, Northern Brown

Argus


recovering

Butterfly data and Transect refers to

adjoining Beetham Fell (Dallam Tower

Estate). Transect started on Bettham

Fell 2005. Working with FC to bring

some co-ordinated management with

this wood and Dallam Tower Estate

woods at Beetham Fell SSSI. Looking at

connectivity work in the wood for

2012/13

Whitbarrow CumbriaNorth West

(Cumbria)Whitbarrow 0 06/03/2021 06/03/2016

Morecambe

Bay

Limestones

Transect SD451864 SSSI445 (4 -

22)0



bordered Fritillary, Duke of

Burgundy, Northern Brown Argus,

Dark Green Fritillary, Silv

67 67 A Favourable

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

62

63

South District The Queen’s House

Lyndhurst Hampshire SO43 7NH

Am

pfi

eld

Wo

od

64

65

South District Strategy Sites

Strategy Site

NameCounty BC Branch FDP Name

FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Ashmore (formerly

Stubhampton

Bottom and

Washer's Pit)

Dorset Dorset Ashmore 210 19/10/2014 ST904156 N/A 167 (2 - 8)Argent & Sable, Drab

Looper30


Grizzled Skipper, Dark Green

Fritillary, Silver-washed

Fritillary,

15 45 A 0 Favourable

Key site for Argent & Sable and Drab

Looper. Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary

site despite management. Other species

still declining. Potential Barberry Carpet

site.

Only has drab looper now on early

succession habitat. Scrub management

a key focus. CE on board with

management. Favourable condition and

stable but CE requires more resource for

future scrub management/coppice

working regime.

Bouldnor Copse Hampshire Hants & IOW IOW 1 18/12/2017 18/12/2012 SZ381902 Part SSSI 105 (1 - 5) 0Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary,

Grizzled Skipper20 20 A 0

Unfavourable,

recovering

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.

Charlton Sussex SussexSouth Downs

26 31/08/2023 31/08/2018

Dukes on

the EdgeSU905154 N/A

1005 (10 -

50)Drab Looper 15

Dingy Skipper, Grizzled

Skipper, Silver-washed

Fritillary


Adjacent to good quality downland site &

intact landscape. Ride network with very

good numbers of Drab Looper 2013, plus

Dingy & Grizzled Skipper. Some

potential PBF habitat if woodland edge

could be worked more.

Duke of Burgundy at Heyshott Common.

DH to set up site meeting in relation to

FDP review. Could make an extension

inrelation to DoB project. Linkage to NIA

project though not part of.

Chiddingfold Surrey Surrey Chiddingfold 8 24/04/2013 24/04/2013South East

Woods

Transect &

timed countsSU999335 Part SSSI

891 (9 -

45)

Common Fan-foot, Clay

Fan-foot, White-line Snout,

Waved Carpet, Drab

looper, Coleophora woc

48

Wood White, Dingy Skipper,

White Admiral, Grizzled

Skipper, Brown Hairstreak,

Purple Emperor, Silver-

washed Fritillary

35 83 A -45Unfavourable,

recoverin

PBF extinct, possibly with occasional

unauthorised releases. Wood white is

main priority and has repsonded well to

scallop regime. Monitoring by transects

& timed counts

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 - considered lost from site as of

summer 2012. These species no longer

the focus of woodland management as a

consequence. Moth list needs reviewing.

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.

Eartham Woods Sussex SussexSouth Downs

26 31/08/2023 31/08/2023

South East

WoodsSU945114 N/A

260 (3 -

13)

Striped Lychnis, Drab

Looper20 Silver-washed Fritillary 1 21 A 15

Unfavourable,

no change

Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site,

Natural recolonisation 2010, lost by 2012

due to lack of targetd management.

Recorded in adjacent private woodland.

Waved Carpet (1978),

Need to add drab looper as a priority

species. Natural recolonisation of PBF

underway from Rewell but in 2010 died

out. Ranger needs strategic support to

do more ride management. This is

necessary to facilitate an expansion and

establishment of PBF. DoB on nearby

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).

Grovely Wood Wiltshire Wiltshire Grovely 217 19/10/2014Dukes on

the EdgeSU022346

Adjacent

to SSSI

280 (3 -

14)

Narrow-bordered Bee

Hawk-moth, Drab Looper20

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke

of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,

Grizzled Skipper, Purple

Emperor, Dark Green


Fritillary


Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site

however, Pearl-bordered Fritillary

undocumented reintroduction in 2009,

still present 2013. Favourable

management of ride edges, Duke of

Burgundy struggling. BC also involved

with adjacent privately owned woodland.

PBF re-released. DoB present plus drab

looper. Management moving in the right

direction. L-T management of chalk

grassland pockets to be discussed .

Favourable and stable with annual

corridor management programme in

place.

Houghton wood Sussex SussexSouth Downs

26 31/08/2023 31/08/2023

South East

WoodsSU992114 N/A

233 (2 -

12)0


Grizzled Skipper20 20 A 15

Unfavourable,

recovering

Pearl-bordered Fritillary natural

recolonisation 2011, still present 2012.

Urgent targeted management needed.

PBF now colonising. Already has white

admiral and grizzled skipper. Advise

moving from a grade C to A. Need to

maintain ride management programme.

JD to visit Houghton with Ranger and

encourage a continuation of beneficial

corridor management. DH willing to apply

for funding at direction of FE.

Moreton Dorset Dorset Purbeck 14 31/01/2024 31/01/2019 SY815913Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC

411(4 -

21)Dingy Mocha 5

Silver-studded Blue, Grayling,

White Admiral13 18 A 5 Favourable

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.

66


Strategy Site


FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


New Forest* Hampshire Hants & IOW

Bolderwood &

Burley Wak

Inclosures

8 31/01/2017South East

WoodsTransect SU272078

Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC

26781

(268 -

1339)

Dark & Light Crimson

Underwings, Scarce

Merveille du Jour, White-

line Snout, Dingy Mocha

17


Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silver-

studded Blue, Grayling, White

Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,



Also many other notable moth species

(See Green (2000) The Status of

Lepidoptera in the New Forest).

Monitoring by transect. PBF doing well

throughout forest with expansion of

range in 2011, but Small Pearl-bordered

Fritillary still restricted to 3 small

colonies.

2011 a good year for PBF and

mnagement moving sites in the right

direction. Many sites subject to

overgrazing but SSB doing ok. Shoulder

striped clover - feeds on open moorland,

geographically restricted. Dingy mocha

subject of ongoing concern due to

grazing, survives at a low level.

Woodland management in NF excellent.

Small PBF - concerns with. Remains at

low numbers and not responding like

PBFs to wider management regime.

New Forest* Hampshire Hants & IOWNew Forest

Open Forest0

South East

WoodsTransect SU272078

Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC

26781

(268 -

1339)

Dark & Light Crimson

Underwings, Scarce

Merveille du Jour, White-

line Snout, Dingy Mocha

17


Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Silver-

studded Blue, Grayling, White

Admiral, Grizzled Skipper,



Also many other notable moth species

(See Green (2000) The Status of

Lepidoptera in the New Forest).

Monitoring by transect. PBF doing well

throughout forest with expansion of

range in 2011, but Small Pearl-bordered

Fritillary still restricted to 3 small

colonies.

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

wetter conditions than PBF i.e. open

tussock grassland with violets in sward.

Project to seek NPA buy-in as well.

Intention for 2 winters of work.

Anticipated start during winter 2013/14.

DH to arrange meeting. FE to provide a

letter of support. DH not aware of other

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.

Parkhurst ForestIsle of

WightHants & IOW IOW 1 18/12/2017 18/12/2012

South East

Woods

Timed

countsSZ473909 Part SSSI

394 (4 -

20)Common Fan-foot 5


Skipper, White-letter

Hairstreak, Dark Green

Fritillary

12 17 A -15Favourable,

improving

Reddish Buff (1999), historic records of

Orange Upperwing. Monitoring by timed

counts. Increased management (from

BC advice) due to new forester and

woodland officer. Pearl-bordered Fritillary

extinct since 2010 - no confirmed

records since. Management improving

too late, would require step change in

management to support reintroduction.

PBF likely lost from site. No recent

confirmed sightings. Confusing 3 years

with Glanville establishment following its

Northward expansion. Parkhurst has

seen some significant forest

management in past few years after a

lull. Ride management needs to be

tweaked to comprise a rotational system.

Stonedown Dorset Dorset Stonedown 211 19/10/2014 ST994204 N/A 107 (1 - 5) Drab Looper 15



Skipper


Open glades and ride edges under

positive management but site demands

additional resources.

Vernditch Wiltshire Wiltshire Vernditch 212 19/10/2014South East

WoodsSU037211 N/A 119 (1 - 6) Drab Looper 15

Pealr-bordered Fritillary, Duke

of Burgundy, White Admiral,

Grizzled Skipper, Dark Green


Fritillary


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.

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.

Wareham Forest Dorset Dorset Purbeck 14 31/01/2024 31/01/2019 SY893921Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC

1542 (15 -

77)

Dingy Mocha, Speckled

Footman, Reed Leopard,

Barberry Carpet

16Silver-studded Blue, Dingy

Skipper, Grayling15 31 A 5 Favourable

Speckled Footman records confidential.

Silver Studded Blue declining. Barberry

Carpet occurs on France Firs.

Established Barberry Hedgerow at

France Firs.

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

advantage of new open habitat creation.

Mowing regime enacted end June/start

July on humid heath/edge of wet heath

ride edges to maintain short sward

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.

West Wood Hampshire Hants&IOW

Hampshire

Downs - West

Wood

4 30/12/2017 17/12/2013 Transect SU429298 N/A251 (3 -

13)

Drab Looper , White-line

Snout, Barred Tooth-

striped

23



Emperor, Dark Green


Fritillary

16 39 A 0Unfavourable,

recovering


Monitoring by transect

DH to check species lists. Unfavourable

recovering condition.

Whiteley Pastures

(formally Botley

Wood)

Hampshire Hants & IOW

Bere -

Whiteley

Pastures

3 17/12/2018 17/12/2013South East

Woods

Botley Wood

1 & 2

transects

SU536104 SSSI201 (2 -

10)White-line Snout 3



Emperor, Silver-washed

Fritillary, Pearl-bordered

Fritillary


declining

PBF recorded on this former site in

2010, 2011 and 2012, possible release

or long-distance dispersal from New

Forest. New management underway with

good habitat potential - needs monitoring.

Histortic records for Scarce Merveille du

Jour, Argent & Sable, Common Fan-foot

& Orange Upperwing. Monitoring by

transect

Need to ensure that canopy over 2009

and 2011 coppice coupes removed and

that cycle is continued. To arrange

meeting between Simon James and DH

to view site improvements. Send Sue

Clarkes report to DH. Scale and scope of

coppice to be reviewed. Canopy

clearance critical. Corridors are much

improved. New ponds add diversity in

respect of fringing vegetation.

67


Strategy Site


FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Ampfield Wood Hampshire Hants & IOW

Hampshire

Downs -

Ampfields &

Windmills

4 31/12/2012 31/12/2012 Transect SU404245 N/A380 (4 -

19)Broad Bordered Bee Hawk 1

White Admiral, Purple


Fritillary

6 6 B 0Unfavourable,

recovering


Purple Emperor declining. Monitoring by

transect

Access issues. Transect issues. Deer

management problematic. Invasive

species removal underway i.e.

rhododendron. Unfavourable recovering.

Brighstone ForestIsle of

WightHants & IOW IOW 1 18/12/2017 18/12/2012 SZ423848 N/A

379 (4 -

19)0


Grizzled Skipper, Silver-

washed Fritillary

14 14 B 0 Favourable Needs more monitoring

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.

Combley Great

Wood

(Briddlesford

Copses)

Isle of

WightHants & IOW IOW 1 18/12/2017 18/12/2012 SZ550888 Part SSSI 130 (1 - 7) 0


Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-

washed Fritillary


no change

Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site.Joint

Pear-bordered Fritillary recovery project

across the landscape

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.

Crowthorne

Woods/Swinley

Park

BerkshireUpper

Thames

Thames Basin

Heaths10 03/12/2017 03/12/2012 SU854650 SSSI

206 (2 -

10)0


White Admiral13 13 B 0

Unfavourable,

recoveringPossibly 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.

Forest of Bere Hampshire Hants & IOW

Bere - Havent

Holt, Thicket,

Queens Enc

3 13/05/2013 17/05/2008 SU713109 N/A266 (3 -

13)

False Mocha, Scarce

Mervielle du Jour8


Fritillary4 12 B 0 Favourable White-line Snout historically

Needs extra survey effort to support re-

assessment. DH to ask Jim Norris about

moths.

Hethfelton Wood Dorset Dorset Purbeck 14 31/01/2024 31/01/2019 Transect SY858884Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC178 (2 - 9) 0


Silver-washed Fritillary11 11 B 0 Favourable

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.

Park & Queen

Copse*Dorset Dorset

Uddens &

Cannon Hill207 20/08/2019 01/01/2014 SU050033 None 111(1 - 6) Dingy Mocha 5


Fritillary4 9 B 5 Favourable DM 2011

Yearly flailing of rideside vegetation

underway. Future thinning provides an

opportunity to enhance edges of

corridors.

Park & Queen

Copse*Dorset Dorset Whitesheet 208 20/08/2019 01/01/2014 SU050033 None 111(1 - 6) Dingy Mocha 5


Fritillary4 9 B 5 Favourable DM 2011

Rempstone Dorset Dorset Purbeck 14 31/01/2024 31/01/2019 SY987846Part SSSI,

SPA,SAC

613 (6 -

31)0


White Admiral13 13 B 0 Favourable

Site in good condition. Mowing regime as

per Wareham. SSB and Grayling

comprise the target species here.

Grazing underway.

Alice Holt Forest Hampshire Hants & IOWAlice Holt -

Alice Holt7 31/12/2013 31/12/2013

Bentley

Station

meadow

transect

SU809420Adjacent

to SSSI

855 (9 -

43)0

White Admiral, Purple


Fritillary

5 5 C 0Unfavourable,

recovering

Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site. Has

Bentley Station meadow transect. 2011

Pearl-bordered Fritillary record (poosible

release). New pond and wet woodland

copse (FC lead). Improving partnership

with neighbouring BC reserve Bentley

Station Meadow, opening new corridors

in woodland edge.

Bramshill Hampshire Hants & IOWThames Basin

Heaths10 03/12/2017 03/12/2012 SU775595 SSSI/SAC

1039 (10 -

52)0 Grayling 5 5 C 0

Unfavourable,

no changeBird management a priority

Firestone Copse Hampshire Hants & IOW IOW 1 18/12/2017 18/12/2012 Transect SZ555911 Part SSSI 98 (1 - 5) 0White Admiral, Silver-washed

Fritillary4 4 C 0 Favourable

Monitoring by transect. Joint Pear-

bordered Fritillary recovery project

across the landscape

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.

Lord's Wood Hampshire Hants & IOW South Hants 2 18991230 18991230 SU398173 N/A 141 (1 - 7) 0White Admiral, Silver-washed

Fritillary4 4 C 0

Unfavourable,

declining

68

69

West District Bank House Bank Street

Coleford Gloucestershire

GL16 8BA

70

71

West District Strategy Sites Strategy Site


FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Blackdown Forest Somerset West CountryBLACKDOW

N47 12/05/2016 ST247192 SSSI

959 (10 -

48)N/A 0


Duke of Burgundy, Wood

White, Dingy Skipper,


Hairstreak, Silver-washed

Fritillary

59 59 A -10Unfavourable

Recovering

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

sightings. Full report from Dudley

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

Blakeridge Wood ShropshireWest

MidlandsClun 13 07/01/2020 07/01/2015

Conserving

the Wood

White

SO302862 N/A 165 (2 - 8) 0 Wood White 15 15 A 0Unfavourable,

no change

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

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.No TW monitoring

Bucknell Wood ShropshireWest

Midlands

Marches

(Kinsley &

Bucknell)

15 05/02/2022 05/02/2017

Conserving

the Wood

White

SO337739 N/A298 (3 -

15)0

Wood White, Silver-washed

Fritillary16 16 A 0 Favourable

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.

Cann Wood, Plym

ForestDevon Devon PLYM 73 31/03/2006 SX527598 N/A

559 (6 -

28)0

Silver-washed Fritillary, Small

Pearl-bordered Fritillary16 16 A 15

Unfavourable,

recovering


SPBF recored 2011, SWF last recorded

2011

Cookworthy Devon Devon HALWILL 22 29/05/2012 SS425016 N/A911 (9 -

46)0

Wood White, Marsh Fritillary,

Silver-washed Fritillary21 21 A 0

Unfavourable,

recovering

Marsh Fritillary not recorded since 2005,

WW numbers down.

Dymock Woods Gloucs Gloucs Dymock 28 14/11/2017 06/11/2012

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

SO680277 Part SSSI511 (5 -

26)

Drab Looper, Barred

Tooth-striped, Fletchers

Pug, Salebriopsis albicilla,

Elegia similella

23Wood White, White Admiral,

Silver-washed Fritillary19 42 A 6 Favourable

White-line snout 1999. Former Pearl-

bordered 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

Forest of Dean* Gloucs Gloucs Churchill 46 14/03/2016 01/07/2011 SO620109 Part SSSI7126 (71 -

356)

Common Fan-foot, Drab

Looper, Dichomeris

ustelalla

21





Hairstreak


declining


RSPB taken lead for ride management at

Nags Heap. Green Team volunteers.

Grayling no longer recorded, potential

resurvey to replicate 2002 . PBF

recorded in the main block, Dichomeris

at Welshbury Woods

Forest of Dean* Gloucs Gloucs Middleridge 44 30/03/2019 31/03/2014 SO620109 Part SSSI7126 (71 -

356)


Looper, Dichomeris

ustelalla

21





Hairstreak


declining







at Welshbury Woods

Forest of Dean* Gloucs GloucsNagshead &

Russells33 03/03/2024 03/03/2019 SO620109 Part SSSI

7126 (71 -

356)


Looper, Dichomeris

ustelalla

21





Hairstreak


declining







at Welshbury Woods

Forest of Dean

(Highmeadow)Gloucs Gloucs High Meadow 31 10/02/2013 27/06/2008

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

SO550135 Part SSSI1459 (15 -

73)

Drab Looper, Fletchers

Pug, Common Fan-foot21




SkipperSilver-washed Fritillary


recovering

Former Pearl-bordered Fritillary site. PbF-

3 records 2011, also Drab Looper,

Fletchers Pug. Coppicing and ride

management has taken place through

S106 funding - monitor WW response to

new habitat creation

72



FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Great Plantation Devon DevonBOVEY

WOODS67 31/03/2006

Saving

Devons

Precious

Pe

Timed count SX820756 N/A 129 (1 - 6) 0


Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy

Skipper, Grizzled Skipper,

Silver-washed Fritillary, White

Admiral


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

Haldon Forest Devon Devon

HALDON

(Blocks

62/63/64/66)

62 15/12/2016 07/03/2012

Saving

Devons

Precious

Pe

Transect SX890837 SSSI724 (7 -

36)0





Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary,


Wood White declining. Monitoring by

transect. WW and DGF not recorded

since 2004

Haugh WoodHerefordsh

ire

West

MidlandsHaugh Wood 26 25/07/2017 14/01/2013

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

2 Transects.

North side

one only

occasionally

SO589368 SSSI366 (4 -

18)

Drab Looper, White-line

Snout18


Wood White, White Admiral,



Fritillary


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

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.

Herrods Foot

WoodsCornwall Cornwall

HERODSFO

OT16 30/05/2012 SX215596 N/A 120 (1 - 6) Scarce Merveille du Jour 3 Wood White 15 18 A 0 Favourable

No records for WW , last record for

whole of Cornwall was at another site in

2003

Hopton Wood ShropshireWest

Midlands

Marches

(Hopton,

Purslow &

Well Wood)

15 06/05/2014 01/04/2009

Conserving

the Wood

White

SO350753 N/A 79 (1 - 4) 0

Wood White, White-letter


Fritillary


no change

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

Group which organises volunteer work

parties/surveys and continue





Lydford Devon Devon LYDFORD 25 12/02/2022Monitoring,

Timed CountSX491842 N/A 148 (1 - 7) 0

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Heath

Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered

Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper,


46 46 A -5 Favourable

GS has not been recorded for approx. 3

years due to lack of suitable habitat.

SWF numbers down, other species

fared well.

Mortimer Forest ShropshireWest

MidlandsMortimer 16 10/06/2014 01/06/2009

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

Adult

SurveysSO477727 Part SSSI

1029 (10 -

51)0



Fritillary


No TW monitoring. 1995 & 1999 Butterfly

survey of the Mortimer Forest, potential

for SPBF. Hopefully also in national


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.

Nether WoodHerefordsh

ire

West

MidlandsSO523338 N/A 56 ( 1 - 3) 0 Wood White 15 15 A 0

North Wood Devon DevonHOLSWORT

HY(Part 2)19 22/03/2017

Saving

Devons

Precious

Pe

Timed Count SS348006 N/A 138 (1 - 7) 0


Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dingy

Skipper, Grizzled Skipper


DS not recorded since 2010 and GS not

since 2011. No records of DGF or SWF

for some years. SPBF recorded 2009

Oversley WoodWarwicksh

ire

West

MidlandsWarwickshire 21 03/09/2013 01/09/2008

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

Species

Transect,

Research_M

oth and

weevil

SP103562 N/A 93 (1 - 5)

S hostilis, S. albicilla, E.

similella, Phyllonorycter

sagitella

10




Fritillary


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).

73



FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Radnor and Bury

DitchesShropshire

West

MidlandsClun 13 07/01/2020 07/01/2015

Conserving

the Wood

White

?Transect SO318837 N/A290 (3 -

15)0

Wood White. White-letter


Fritillary


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





Ribbesford WoodWorcester

shire

West

MidlandsWyre 20 14/05/2022 15/05/2017

Midlands

Fritillary

Species

Survey,

Timed

Counts

SO782728 Part SSSI 165 (2 - 8) Schiffermullerina grandis 1White Admiral, Pearl-bordered

Fritillary18 19 A 15

Unfavourable,

recovering

No TW monitoring, timed counts. PBF

colonised 2011. 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.

Shobdon (inc.

Mere Hill and

Sned)

Herefordsh

ire

West

Midlands

Shobdon &

Wigmore18 24/07/2015 01/07/2010

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

Adult

SurveysSO396646 N/A

291(3 -

15)0



Fritillary


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


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.

Somerford

CommonWiltshire Wiltshire

Somerford/W

ebbs wood53 14/02/2017 16/08/2012 Transect SU024867

Part

reserve

122 ( 1 -

6)0

Duke of Burgundy, Marsh

Fritillary, White Admiral,

Grizzled Skipper, Brown


Fritillary


recovering

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.

Skippers will be lost without further

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

Tidenham Chase

WoodsGloucs Gloucs Tidenham 37 04/08/2015 04/08/2010 SO562002 N/A

192 (2 -

10)Drab Looper 15 White Admiral 3 18 A 15

Unfavourable,

recovering

Dl and SWGH have always been

present but not recorded in Strategy

Wigmore RollsHerefordsh

ire

West

Midlands

Marches

(Wigmore,

Barnett &

Oakley)

15 08/05/2015 01/05/2010

Herefordshi

re Wood

White

Transect SO392695 N/A250 (3 -

13)Drab Lopper 15



washed Fritillary


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

Wyre Forest

Shropshire

/Worcester

shire

West

MidlandsWyre 20 14/05/2022 15/05/2017

Back to

Orange

2 full

Transects

and PBF

timed counts

SO743771NNR &

SSSI

908 (9 -

45)


Looper, S.grandis21






Hairstreak, Silve


GS not recorded since pre 2005. Historic

records of Argent & Sable, Narrow-

bordered 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.

74



FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Savernake Forest Wiltshire Wiltshire Bedwyn 55 13/10/2021 14/10/2016 SU218671 SSSI1187 (12 -

59)0


Hairstreak, Purple Emperor,



recovering

No TW monitoring - usually causal

monitoring for PE around column. M.O

(NT) is carrying out a study of PE.

Occasional sightings of DGF though not

in 2012. 1990 records for Drab Looper.

Historic records for Light Crimson

Underwing, Waved carpet &

Argent&Sable

Savernake Forest Wiltshire Wiltshire Savernake 55 04/08/2018 04/08/2013 SU218671 SSSI1187 (12 -

59)0


Hairstreak, Purple Emperor,



recovering

No TW monitoring - usually causal

monitoring for PE around column. M.O

(NT) is carrying out a study of PE.

Occasional sightings of DGF though not

in 2012. 1990 records for Drab Looper.

Historic records for Light Crimson

Underwing, Waved carpet &

Argent&Sable

Shelve Woodland ShropshireWest

MidlandsEastridge 11 24/11/2021 25/11/2016

Species

SurveySO330992 N/A

45 (0.5 -

2)0 Dingy Skipper, Grayling 10 10 B 0

Unfavourable,

recovering

No TW monnitoring. Report written by J

Joy on The Lepidoptera of the south

Shropshire metal mines and other areas

in the vicinity. Wall in 1998, Grayling

population declining 98-04

Shrawley WoodWorcester

shire

West

MidlandsWyre 20 14/05/2022 15/05/2017

Species

SurveySO807663 SSSI 96 (1 - 5)

Salebriopsis albicilla,

Pauper pug, Dichomeris

ustalella, Schiffermullerina

grandis,

4 White Admiral 3 7 B 1 Favourable

No TW recording. There is a need to








funding.

Waverley Wood &

Weston Wood

Warwicksh

ire

West

MidlandsWarwickshire 21 06/03/2022 07/03/2017

Midlands

Fritillary?Transect SP354706 N/A 114 (1 - 6) 0


Skipper, Silver-washed

Fritillary

9 9 B 1Unfavourable

No Change

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).This site

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

Arley WoodWorcester

shire

West

MidlandsWyre 20 14/05/2022 15/05/2017

Species

SurveySO801822 N/A 71 (1 - 4) 0


Fritillary4 4 C 0

Unfavourable,

recovering

No TW monitoring. There is a need to








funding.

Dunmere Cornwall CornwallCAMEL

VALLEY7 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 White-

lined Snout. Last WLHS record in

Cornwall was in 1985 - at Dunmere

1977!

Eastridge Wood ShropshireWest

MidlandsEastridge 11 31/03/2015 01/04/2010 SJ388027 N/A 172 (2 - 9) 0 White-letter Hairstreak 3 3 C 0

Unfavourable,

no changeWall's present. No TW monitoring

Red Lodge Wood Wiltshire Wiltshire Red Lodge 53 31/03/2006 01/10/2010 SU060888 N/A 102 (1 - 5) 0


Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak,


4 4 C -8 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.

75

Yorkshire District

Outgang Road Pickering

North Yorks YO18 7EL

76

77

Yorkshire District Strategy Sites Strategy Site


FDP

Number

FDP

Expiry

Date

FDP

Review

Date


2012Grid Ref

Designati


Moth

Score

2012

Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

Score

Change

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012


Bishop WoodNorth

YorkshireYorkshire Bishop Wood 21 31/12/2017 02/12/2010 SE555336 N/A

341 (3 -

17)Argent & Sable 15 White-letter Hairstreak 3 18 A 0

Favourable,

improving

1991 record of Scarce Vapourer.

Potentially an important link wood

between Southern districts

Bumble WoodNorth

YorkshireYorkshire Bumble Wood 1 31/12/2016 08/12/2010 SE778998 Part SSSI

264 (3 -

13)0 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary 15 15 A 0

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Cropton Forest &

Newtondale

North

YorkshireYorkshire Cropton 2 31/12/2020 SE791947

Newtondal

e part

SSSI

3662 (37 -

183)0


Dingy Skipper, Dark Green

Fritillary


recoverin

Biggest single forest in district. Duke of

Burgundy & Pearl-bordered Fritillary site

close by.

Dalby ForestNorth

YorkshireYorkshire Dalby 7 07/10/2023

North York

Moore

Dukes an

DoB by

annual timed

counts

SE874878 Part SSSI3598 (36 -

180)0

Silver-washed Fritillary, Small

Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Duke

of Burgundy, Dingy Skipper,


37 37 A 1Favourable,

improving

Ellerburn bank leased to FC, sub-let to

YWT. 1999 Square-spotted Clay.

Declines noted for some species. Annual

timed counts of Duke of Burgundy

Harwood Dale

Forest

North

YorkshireYorkshire Harwood Dale 5 31/12/2014 SE962983 N/A

748 (7 -

37)0


Dingy Skipper20 20 A 0

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Forest habitat network taken Small Pearl-

bordered Fritillary into account

Langdale ForestNorth

YorkshireYorkshire Broxa 6 31/12/2022 SE899953 Part SSSI

3009 (30 -

150)0


Large Heath, Dingy Skipper25 25 A 0

Unfavourable,

recoverin

Also water vole site - shares similar

habitat requirements to Small Pearl-

bordered Fritillary


YorkshireYorkshire Dalby 7 07/10/2023 SE899953 Part SSSI

3009 (30 -

150)0



Unfavourable,

recoverin



bordered Fritillary


YorkshireYorkshire Langdale 4 31/12/2019 SE899953 Part SSSI

3009 (30 -

150)0



Unfavourable,

recoverin



bordered Fritillary

Sneaton ForestNorth

YorkshireYorkshire Sneaton 3 31/12/2018 19/04/2012 NZ887016 Part SSSI

905 (9 -

45)0


Large Heath20 20 A 0 Favourable



bordered Fritillary

78

79

Westonbirt Arboretum Tetbury

Gloucestershire GL8 8QS

80

Westonbirt 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

on 2007 Area Moths 2012

Moth

Score

2012 Butterflies 2012

Butterfly

Score

2012

Species

Score

2012

Site

Grade

2012

ScoreC

hange

2012

Habitat

Condition

2012 Notes 2012 Additional 2012-2017

Westonbirt

ArboretumGlouc.

Westonbirt,

The National

Arboretum

1 ST845895National

Arboreta

243 (2 -

10)Barberry carpet 5


washed Fritillary.4 9 B 0 Favourable Rothamstead light trap on site

81

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


http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/hcou-4u4hzv

mailto:[email protected]




82

North England

Eals Burn Bellingham Hexham Northumberland NE48 2HP


South England

The Queen's House Lyndhurst Hants SO43 7NH


West England

Bank House Bank Street Coleford Glos GL16 8BA


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






http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt


Documents

Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England ... · Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England Conservation Strategy 2007 ... Both organisations will strive towards