Management for invertebrates in North Argyll and Lochaber: the effects of cyclical clearance of wayleaves on butterflies

Published source details Ravenscroft N. (2006) Management for invertebrates in North Argyll and Lochaber: the effects of cyclical clearance of wayleaves on butterflies. NatureScot report.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Manage land under power lines for butterflies and moths Action Link

Manage land under power lines for butterflies and moths

A replicated, site comparison study in 2005 along 24 power lines through woodland in North Argyll and Lochaber, UK (Ravenscroft 2006) found that land under power lines managed within the last two years had more chequered skipper Carterocephalus palaemon than areas managed over four years ago, but numbers of small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene were similar across time since management. In areas cut ≤2 years ago, there were more chequered skippers (1.4–1.7 individuals/minute) than in areas cut ≥4 years earlier (0.1 individuals/minute), and numbers were higher on 16–24-m-wide power lines (2.0 individuals/minute) than on 10–16-m-wide (1.3 individuals/minute) or 25–31-m-wide (1.0 individuals/minute) power lines. The number of small pearl-bordered fritillary was similar in areas cleared ≤1 year ago (1.4 individuals/minute) and 2–3 years ago (1.2 individuals/minute). Pearl-bordered fritillaries Boloria euphrosyne occurred at all four power lines cleared ≤1 year ago (0.8 individuals/minute), but at only two of 13 power lines cleared 2 years ago (0.2 individuals/minute), and were absent from ≥3-year-old clearances (statistical significance not assessed). Scrub under 24 power lines was normally cut in autumn or winter, and areas were last cut between 2000/01 and 2004/05. From May–June 2005, butterflies were surveyed weekly along one or more timed 100-m transects under each power line.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)