An 'Exmoor Ponies in Conservation' project
Myers Allotment Fritillary conservation
The significance of the site
The site lies within a nationally important area for two of the most endangered fritillaries, the high brown fritillary, Argynnis adippe and the pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria euphrosyne, both of which are on Annex 1 of the UK Biodiversity Species List. Both species are dependent on the presence of a network of suitable habitats within the region and the site is notably situated within easy colonising distance of occupied sites.
A fritillary butterfly and its food plant, the violet.
The site offers a small amount of good fritillary habitat. This is where abundant violets occur in sheltered, sunny situations, in otherwise sparse vegetation, around either exposed limestone or dead bracken. Characteristic larval damage to food plant (violets) found indicates fritillaries are present at the site although the habitat available would suggest the dark green fritillary Argynnis aglaja and the small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene which are more common. However, there is enormous potential to develop the quality and quantity of habitat offered to high brown and pearl-bordered fritillary given careful management.