Butterfly Conservation completes habitat project in Somerset to protect rare species

Butterfly Conservation has completed an £8,000 project in Somerset, creating an 850-metre boundary around the Stoke Camp nature reserve. This fence will secure grazing cows and sheep, which help maintain the habitat for rare butterfly species. The reserve, located in the Mendip Hills, is home to various butterfly species, including Chalk Hill Blues and Grizzled Skippers. The grazing animals prevent scrub overgrowth and contribute nutrients to the soil. The project received support from the Valencia Communities Fund and local volunteers. The charity aims to enhance the habitat for butterflies, which are important indicators of environmental health.