SMITH PRAISES AUCHTERMUCHTY CONSERVATION WORK

1.50.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Iain Smith MSP recently accompanied a transect of Auchtermuchty Common by Butterfly Conservation volunteers. Thanks to the excellent weather, six species of butterfly and four of moth were recorded on the common, which is run by the Macduff Trust who are "entrusted" with the Common and its management for the benefit of the people of Auchtermuchty and for its conservation.

The moths sighted were Carpet, Yellow Shell, Chimney Sweeper and Latticed Heath, while the butterfly species were Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Dark Green Fritillary and, most excitingly, a total of 15 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries, indicating that the colony of this none-too-common species has become established.

Mr Smith praised the work of the Macduff Trust and Butterfly Conservation:

"The Trust, in carefully managing the Common, has created a diverse habitat allowing many species of wildlife to flourish.

"The volunteers are doing an excellent job ensuring that the conditions exist for the different species of butterflies and moths, which are not only attractive to see but also provide early indicators of climate change.

"I hope that Butterfly Conservation and the Macduff Trust are able to continue their excellent work for the foreseeable future."

ENDS