Tytherley Woods A £900,000 conservation project will try to reverse the fall in butterfly numbers by restoring coppicing to parts of three woods in the South East.

Butterfly numbers have plunged in recent years and conservationists believe that unmanaged, “derelict” woodland is partly to blame. Much woodland in Britain has been allowed to become overgrown so that much of its wildlife has been driven out by the gloomy conditions.

Pearl-bordered fritillaries, above, are among the species that have suffered most, with a reduction of two thirds in 30 years. By coppicing - cutting back tree trunks to encourage more stems to grow - it is hoped that these species will stage a comeback.

At the scheme's launch, in Tytherley Woods, on the Hampshire-Wiltshire border, Dan Hoare, of Butterfly Conservation, said: “We'll show woodland owners what can be achieved and what grants are available. Simple woodland management can make use of this precious resource and let wildlife thrive. Woods needn't be all dark and oppressive. We need light and we need butterflies.”

The other selected areas are Rother Woods near Rye in East Sussex and Denge Woods near Canterbury, Kent.

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