Cows Aid in Revival of Rare High Brown Fritillary Butterfly in Wales

The high brown fritillary butterfly, once common in Wales and England, is experiencing a resurgence thanks to the innovative efforts of volunteers in the Alun Valley. Reported on July 10, 2026, these volunteers have introduced grazing cows to help maintain the delicate ecosystem needed for the butterfly's survival.

Decline of the High Brown Fritillary Butterfly

The high brown fritillary butterfly, known for its striking orange wings and black markings, has seen a staggering decline of 62% in its population since 1970. This decline is largely attributed to its specific habitat requirements, which include a mix of bracken and the common dog violet, the latter being essential for the caterpillars' diet.

Paul Dunn, a conservationist with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes the butterfly's picky nature, stating, "They are the pickiest." The loss of traditional uses for bracken, once used as animal bedding, has further complicated the butterfly's survival, as excess bracken can inhibit the growth of dog violets.

Innovative Grazing Solutions for Habitat Maintenance

In a groundbreaking move, volunteers have encouraged local farmers to graze their cows on the butterfly's habitat for the first time in more than half a century. Richard Smith, who has been working alongside Dunn since 1993, explains the benefits of this approach: "Cattle are great because they trample bracken without eliminating it and create an uneven ground structure which is also good as it creates little niches where temperatures can be higher than the surrounding area."

This method promotes a varied ecosystem essential for the high brown fritillary's lifecycle. The volunteers have also utilized solar-panelled collars for the cows, allowing for effective management of grazing areas without the need for fences.

Community Efforts and the Butterfly's Future

Over the years, the team has expanded from just two members to over 40 passionate volunteers. Dot Williams, who joined the group following personal loss, highlights the social and community aspects of their efforts: "It’s the butterflies that brought them together, but it’s grown into much more than that, it’s a community."

Thanks to these collective efforts, more than 37 species of butterflies, including the high brown fritillary, are now thriving in this small part of Wales. As Dunn reflects on his dedicated work, he describes it as "a beautiful obsession." The future of the high brown fritillary appears promising, with volunteer efforts yielding positive results in butterfly conservation.