All of a flap

BUTTERFLY species that have been the subject of targeted conservation have flourished in an otherwise poor year for numbers, according to figures from), which has been the focus of efforts in Kent, Essex and Somerset, has increased by 112% in the last decade; the vulnerable silver-studded blue () had its best year since 1996 and the black and brown hairstreaks, the Glanville fritillary, dingy skipper, Adonis blue and chalk hill blue were all above average. ‘It reinforces the importance of managing and restoring habitat,’ comments Butterfly Conservation’s Richard Fox. ‘Although the heath fritillary remains a priority for conservation, these successes demonstrate what can be achieved through dedicated long-term conservation effort.’