JUST over £1,000 has been raised to safeguard the Heath Fritillary butterfly in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The money was raised by walkers of the second annual Tamar Valley Discovery Trail Challenge, that took place in June.

Thirty people started the 30-mile route at Tamerton Foliot at 8am, and finished some hours later at Lifton, ready for their well-earned lift back to the start.  

Butterfly Conservation, this year's chosen charity, is delighted with the funds. Caroline Kelly, conservation officer, said: 'The amount of money raised is fantastic! Many thanks to all of the walkers who took part and their sponsors. We will be able to double our effort this coming year on saving Cornwall's rarest butterfly.'

Plans are already well under way for next year's Discovery Trail Challenge, which will incorporate an optional shorter route.

If you would like to take part in the world's biggest survey of butterflies, a good indicator of the health of the environment, the Big Butterfly Count is on now until August 11. Almost 27,000 people took part in 2012 — visit http://www.bigbutterflycount.org.uk">www.bigbutterflycount.org.uk to find out more.