A £160,000 project has been launched to restore nearly 48 hectares of chalk grassland at Butser Hill Nature Reserve near Petersfield, Hampshire, aiming to enhance habitat conditions for the vulnerable Duke of Burgundy butterfly. The initiative will also support the growth of native plant species, including orchids, cowslip, and harebell, as well as other butterfly populations such as the chalk hill blue.

The restoration involves reintroducing a natural water source to the site, enabling controlled grazing by animals. This approach is intended to provide a more sustainable and less intensive management method for the delicate chalk grassland ecosystem. A local authority spokesman explained that the work will help maintain the habitat’s ecological balance while improving visitor access to the reserve.

In addition to ecological improvements, the project will incorporate natural features designed to obscure views of pylons on the horizon, enhancing the visual experience for visitors.

The Duke of Burgundy butterfly is classified as vulnerable on the Great Britain red list and holds a threatened status across Europe. Conservation efforts like this are critical in addressing the decline of such species by preserving and restoring their natural environments.