Project to save rare butterflies

The butterfly has seen a massive drop in numbers in the past 20 years

A project has started in Lancashire to increase the numbers of one of the UK's rarest butterflies.

The Morecambe Bay Limestones is the last remaining stronghold of the High Brown Fritillary, which has seen an 80% drop in numbers since the 1980s.

Work is being carried out at the site by Butterfly Conservation to further encourage the High Brown to the area, as well as other rare species.

An increase in numbers is expected by next year, the charity said.

The Morecambe Bay Limestones area includes limestone pavements, scrub, coppice woodland and herb-rich grasslands.

The area is the butterfly's last stronghold in the UK

More of the area will be opened up to make it sunnier and more welcoming for butterflies.

Volunteers from Butterfly Conservation as well as wildlife trusts, colleges and Age Concern are working on the project.

David Wainwright, Morecambe Bay Limestones project officer, said: "Without all this effort there is a great danger of losing the High Brown Fritillary.

"However the project is going well and I'm sure we'll turn things round. We are expecting to see a large increase in numbers next year."