The Butterfly project is set to take flight in Dumfries and Galloway as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Natural Capital Scotland programme. The project aims to develop a more ecologically sustainable approach to hill farming in the region and help conserve the endangered northern brown argus butterfly. The Species-Rich Grassland project has received funding approval from the Borderlands Partnership Board and will be led by national charity Butterfly Conservation.
The project will implement experimental techniques at farms, using the northern brown argus butterfly as a flagship species to protect and create flower-rich grassland in the hills of Dumfries and Galloway. The butterfly’s population has significantly declined, with a 56% decrease in its UK distribution between 1990 and 2018. This decline is attributed to the loss of species-rich grassland, where the butterfly’s caterpillars feed exclusively on the common rock rose plant.
Funded by the Scottish Government and UK Government, the Species-Rich Grassland project is part of the broader £350 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The Borderlands Partnership, consisting of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Cumberland Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council, is dedicated to driving sustainable development in the region.
The initiative is a proactive step towards promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices in Dumfries and Galloway. By focusing on the conservation of a vulnerable species like the northern brown argus butterfly, the project highlights the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and fostering coexistence between agriculture and wildlife.
In summary, the Butterfly project in Dumfries and Galloway represents a significant conservation effort to protect the northern brown argus butterfly and promote sustainable farming practices in the region. By implementing innovative techniques and leveraging the butterfly as a conservation icon, the project aims to restore species-rich grasslands and enhance biodiversity in the area. This collaborative initiative between government bodies, charity organisations, and local councils underscores the importance of proactive conservation efforts in safeguarding our natural heritage.