A RARE butterfly whose numbers are declining across the UK is booming on the Malvern Hills.

Grayling butterfly numbers have dropped by 50 per cent over the last 25 years.

However, substantial populations have been found on the southern and eastern slopes from North Hill to the Worcestershire Beacon, with smaller numbers around Wyche Cutting, Black Hill and British Camp.

The butterflies were discovered during a survey by Malvern Hills Conservators and Butterfly Conservation.

Rob Havard, from the Conservators, said: "Finding the grayling in such substantial numbers on the Malvern Hills this summer is a fantastic result and a great incentive for us to keep up with the current levels of grazing and scrub management."

Dr Jenny Joy, from Butterfly Conservation, said: "Butterflies are an indicator of the health the environment. Where there are butterflies in profusion, it indicates that nature is in balance.

"We need to preserve the countryside to support butterflies, or all species will suffer."

Now the Conservators and Butterfly Conservation are to set up a grayling habitat monitoring programme, targetting their conservation efforts in specific areas.

As the grayling butterfly is a master of disguise. With its grey and brown colouring it can be very hard to spot, although the upper side of its wings have black eyespots surrounded by orange with small white pupils at the centre.

It is a shy insect, normally sitting with its wings closed on steep, rocky, sunny slopes where the vegetation is sparse.

10:47am Friday 24th November 2006

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