5 August 2010

During a visit to Fermanagh Show on Wednesday 4 August, Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA participated in the launch of an information leaflet about the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.

The beautiful Marsh Fritillary is a threatened species across Europe, but several large colonies have been discovered in the last few years in Fermanagh and west Tyrone and Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland is keen to help land owners protect the butterfly.

The leaflet was produced by Butterfly Conservation in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Environment Agency, and the launch was at the Fermanagh Show in Enniskillen.

Michelle Gildernew said: "The butterfly needs pastures with abundant 'Blue button' (devil's-bit scabious), upon which the caterpillars feed. Such pastures have disappeared from large parts of Ireland and Britain through agricultural improvement and heavy grazing, but fortunately we still have extensive areas in Fermanagh and west Tyrone. Butterfly Conservation is keen to work with farmers and DARD to show how traditional low-intensity cattle grazing can help the butterfly and supplement farm incomes through agri-environment schemes".

Dr Martin Warren, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation said: "We are very grateful to the Minster's for launching our advisory leaflet and for her support for our work. This is a very special part of the world and we hope we can help keep it that way."