THOUSANDS of caterpillars have been released in Ennerdale as part of ongoing attempts to re-establish colonies of one of Europe’s most endangered butterflies.
Almost 4,000 marsh fritillary caterpillars were distributed on suitable habitat by Wild Ennerdale Volunteers, Forestry Commission staff and Butterfly Conservation under a licence from Natural England.
The caterpillars were released a mile beyond the head of Ennerdale Water.
The site was considered to be ideal as it contains an abundance of devils bit scabious – a plant that marsh fritillary caterpillars feed on.
More caterpillars were also introduced on a nearby privately-owned site at the head of the lake.
There are now five sites occupied by the butterfly in the Ennerdale area, which widens the gene pool and helps survival chances.
Walkers in Ennerdale this summer are being encouraged to keep their eyes peeled to look out for the flying brightly-coloured adults in late May and early June.
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