On their customary Autumn visit to Common Wood, near Mary Tavy, the volunteers set to work improving habitat for Pearl Bordered and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries. Sadly, Kate Ashbrook, the land owner, was unable to join us but we were pleased to welcome back Jenny Plackett from Butterfly Conservation.

Jenny briefing the volunteers
Her plan was to remove scrub to widen the corridor of access for butterflies at the far end of the site.

Preparing the brushcutter. Photo: Sylvia Hamilton

Pulling saplings. Photo: Sylvia Hamilton

A rare sighting, Derek hard at work! Photo: Sylvia Hamilton
At the end of the day, all the cut scrub was neatly stacked in windrows, excellent insect habitat.

A windrow. Photo: Sylvia Hamilton
It was a lovely day for working in the open, thank you to all who came and helped.