HEREFORDSHIRE has a new butterfly reserve for residents to enjoy their beauty in natural surroundings.

The reserve at Ewyas Harold Meadows covers more than 12 acres and its opening marks the 30th anniversary of West Midlands branch of Butterfly Conservation.

It was donated by two local residents and opened by Butterfly Conservation chief executive Dr Martin Warren and national chairman Maurice Avent.

The meadows border the common at Ewyas Harold and supports one of the best remaining populations in the region of the nationally threatened pearl-bordered fritillary.

This species is one of Britain’s most threatened butterflies, having lost two thirds of its populations over the past 30 years. The reserve will provide caterpillars with violets and adult butterflies with nectar in abundance.

Other butterfly species expected to flourish include the marbled white, grizzled skipper, small heath and common blue.

David Jackson, chairman of the West Midlands branch of Butterfly Conservation, said: “These lovely flowery meadows are wonderful examples of the unimproved grasslands that were once widespread in the county.

“If we lose any more of this vital butterfly habitat, we will start to lose the butterflies as well as other wildlife and rare flower species like the bee orchid.”