Cornwall Moors - Restoration of the mid Cornwall Moors for the Euphydryas aurinia

The project aimed to increase the Breney Common and Goss and Tregoss Moors cSAC in Cornwall, connectivity and quality of suitable breeding habitat across the cSAC and at seven satellite sites for the marsh fritillary butterfly population. Implementation of the project has led to an increase in favourable condition habitat for the marsh fritillary butterflies on about 130 ha. Importantly, the A30, the major trunk road through Cornwall, which previously passed through the middle of the SAC has been re-routed, allowing connection between the important heathland communities that had been isolated before the project. The project work included installing management and grazing infrastructure and reinstating livestock grazing on the sites. Results led to the restoration of the traditional wet heathland. Land users were leased cattle on long-term leases, and also encouraged to enter agri-environment schemes, which offer opportunities to help support the overall economic sustainability of project actions. The project actively engaged with local communities to encourage their use of the project sites and also increase their appreciation of these important heathland areas. Dissemination was a key project element, with excellent coverage in the local and national press.