The small pearl-bordered fritillary was once widespread on the upland fringes in Durham . In recent decades we have watched as one by one it's former strongholds have disappeared to drainage, ploughing, afforestation, and lack of management. Formerly recorded from 14 10km 2 squares in the County, the 'small pearl', as it is known in butterfly circles, is now restricted to a small network of four sites all within about a kilometre of each other.

However, recently the small pearl has been the focus of concerted effort by Durham Biodiversity Partnership, Durham County Council, Durham Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation which appears to be yielding some promising results. Land already owned by partner organisations, in the vicinity of small pearl sites, is being managed for the butterfly by planting its food-plant the marsh violet. The marsh violets have been grown on for the Partnership by Durham University 's Botanic Gardens. Natural England is also helping to ensure land in private ownership is grazed appropriately, and local schools have been enlisted to help provide shelter belts on exposed parts of sites.

Funding has come from the County Durham Environment Trust (CDENT) to undertake habitat works for the small pearl at Black Plantation near Lanchester. This site has been cleared, fenced and will now be grazed with the aim to reintroduce the small pearl to the site in 2010.

The recently launched Heart of Durham project, one of the first projects to come out of the North East Wildlife Trusts Living Landscapes vision, aims to reconnect and extend the fragmented habitats within a large area in the central belt of the County, from Derwent Reservoir in the North to Hamsterley Forest in the South, helping the small pearl to further expand its range and offering protection from climate change.

The small pearl-bordered fritillary is still in some danger in Durham , but the work of all these partners does increase its chances of surviving in the area in the future. There have even been some recent signs of an upturn in the population on the existing sites, which are now managed for the butterfly, and although it is still early days we are optimistic that with the continued effort we will see the small pearl spread.

More information from info@durhambiodiversity.org.uk or contact Sue Charlton, Heart of Durham Project Officer scharlton@durhamwt.co.uk or 01388 488758/9

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Action Plan