The High Brown Fritillary, the most threatened butterfly in Wales and the UK, has experienced a 65% decline in abundance (1978–2019) and an 87% decrease in distribution (1985–2019). Only one colony remains in Wales, located at Old Castle Down in the Vale of Glamorgan. The species is highly vulnerable to extinction, so the HBF project (a Natur am Byth and Butterfly Conservation partnership) will work to protect the species and increase suitable habitat in this area.
The butterfly requires specific conditions, including bracken-covered slopes, early successional woodland (e.g. coppice), ‘edge’ habitat and the Common Dog Violet. The project area spans limestone landscapes comprising two down areas (the edge of Ogmore Down and across Old Castle Down) in the Alun Valley.
It also aims to improve mental well-being by connecting people with nature through physical activities like nature walks and other activities associated with habitat management and recording of the butterfly. A wider art projects will also form a part of the scheme.
This project is carried out in partnership with Butterfly Conservation.