Pearls of Charlton Forest

This project will significantly enhance woodland habitat for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other priority butterflies and moths. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is one of the UK’s fastest declining butterflies, having suffered a 59% national decline since 1976. It is listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006), and was highlighted as a UK BAP Priority Species. In 2015 the South East of England supported only 15 Pearl-bordered Fritillary sites, amounting to 11% of the national population. Since 1997, the species has been lost from 66% of sites within the region, accounting for 31% of national losses. It is now extinct in Kent and Surrey. This project will maintain and improve a core area of suitable habitat in West Sussex, making a significant contribution to national and regional conservation targets for this rare butterfly. This 18-month project will be led by a part-time Project Officer who will supervise a programme of practical conservation work by contractors and volunteers.