Study

Experimental bracken Pteridium aquilinum control to restore habitat for the heath fritillary Mellicta athalia at Bin Combe, Holnicote Estate, Somerset, England

  • Published source details Camp P. (2006) Experimental bracken Pteridium aquilinum control to restore habitat for the heath fritillary Mellicta athalia at Bin Combe, Holnicote Estate, Somerset, England. Conservation Evidence, 3, 64-67.

Summary

A core heath fritillary Mellicta athalia breeding site had become dominated by bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Following bracken control by burning and herbicide spraying there was a considerable increase in common cow wheat Melampyrum pratense (the larval food plant) and a 10-fold increase in fritillary numbers. There had also been grazing and trampling by red deer Cervus elaphus, which might have also improved the habitat quality. Two other burnt and sprayed areas did not show an increase in butterfly numbers, perhaps because at higher elevation and therefore constituting less suitable habitat.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2224

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust