Mass planting to boost rare butterfly numbers in the Shropshire Hills

The plants are the favourite food of caterpillars of small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, and by planting more, it’s hoped to attract many more of the rare insects.

Led by the National Trust, and funded by the Natural England Species Recovery Programme, the ambitious planting is part of the Stepping Stones Project to restore habitat connectivity across the whole landscape and create a sustainable home for not only small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies but also willow tits, hazel dormice and otters.