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, the small pearl has recently been the focus of concerted effort by the Durham Biodiversity Partnership, which appears to be yielding some promising results.

Many of our partners have come to the rescue. Land already owned by partner organisations such as Durham County Council, 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 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.

The Durham Wildlife Trust has bought a new roadside reserve specifically for the butterfly, and Natural England's Mineral Valley Project is helping to develop new habitat for the butterfly through a variety of projects in the area. Further funding has come from the County Durham Environment Trust (CDENT). The work on these projects has been undertaken with the help of the Lanchester Wildlife Group, The Woodland Trust, local farmers and the River Wear Environment Trust.

The key to all of this work has been the research and co-ordination by Butterfly Conservation, whose regional manager Sam Ellis now co-ordinates an Action Group made up of all the relevant partner organisations and individuals.

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

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Action Plan