A UNIQUE West Devon nature reserve which is home to the rare heath fritillary butterly this week received a welcome boost.

The Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation has received support of £600 for its work on its Lydford nature reserve, which is particularly renowned for the presence of the increasingly scarce butterfly.

Support comes from a newly formed charity the South Devon Nature Trust, set up by Jane and Roger Davenport, which aims to restore and preserve land for both wildlife and community value.  This is one of the first projects the trust has supported.

Mr Davenport said:  'Having visited the magical site at Lydford and been so impressed by the dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm of the volunteers, we are delighted to make a modest contribution to the preservation of these wonderful butterflies and their habitat.'

This support has been welcomed by Roger Bristow, chairman of the Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation, who said:  'This is great news for us as, particularly in these times of recession, we have been loosing some of our funding sources. 

'This year saw Natural England having to withdraw their support for the Lydford Reserve so it has come as a lifeline.

'Vital management work on the reserve to ensure a suitable habitat is maintained for the butterflies is carried out by volunteers but equipment has to be bought and maintained and these days we have to adhere to stringent health and safety practices.'

Jim Braven who works as the volunteer warden on the reserve said: 'It couldn't have come at a better time.  We are very grateful to the trust. 

'All of us who work as volunteers on the reserve are very dedicated to what we do and just want to ensure that we give the heath fritillary the best possible future. 

'Lydford is unique in that it is the only reserve in the country where three species of fritillary — the heath fritillary, The pearl-bordered fritillary and the small pearl-bordered fritillary can all be seen flying on the same day.'

The time of year to see these butterflies is early summer, access to the reserve comes with membership.  Butterfly Conservation are currently offering half price membership.