FORESTRY Commission England is taking action in Herefordshire to tackle the decline in rare woodland butterflies and moths and help them to thrive once again.

Working with Butterfly Conservation, the commission has announced its plan to tackle the plight of the butterflies.

Haugh Wood, near Hereford, is home to one of Britain's rarest butterflies - the pearl-bordered fritillary.

Efforts to preserve the species have proved fruitful and 2007 has been a good year for it, as well as other rare species such as wood whites and drab loopers.

Work at the site has included an increase in the use of traditional coppicing to cut back trees and the widening of paths. These techniques allow more sunlight to reach the woodland floor and create the perfect environment for woodland butterflies.

The Lepidoptera on Forestry Commission Land in England Conservation Strategy 2007-2017 is a commitment by Forestry Commission England and Butterfly Conservation to conserve and increase populations of butterflies and moths in the nation's woodlands.

The reasons for the fall in woodland butterflies and moths are complex but have been linked to a decline in regular woodland management and the loss of traditional skills. Few woodland butterflies can cope with the well-shaded habitat offered by unmanaged or neglected woodland.

Dr Martin Warren, chief executive of Butterfly Conservation, said: "This new strategy will have enormous benefits to butterflies and moths, as well as other woodland wildlife."