AN elusive and endangered butterfly which can only found in a few places in the UK, is the subject of a new wildlife film being launched on Dartmoor today (Thursday). Once widespread in southern England, High Brown Fritillary is now clinging on in a few remaining outposts. One of these is Dartmoor, where it is still to be seen on some moorland fringes. A struggle is going on to prevent it from dying out. But this is unknown to most Dartmoor residents and visitors. That is why Devon Butterfly Conservation secured funding from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund and enlisted Andrew Cooper to make a film about the struggle. The film, entitled 'Saving Dartmoor's Crown Jewels', is to be launched in conjunction with Save Our Butterflies Week. It shows how conservationists are working to maintain the butterfly's very special habitat requirements. Andrew Cooper is one of Britain's foremost wildlife film makers, and currently chairman of the Devon Wildlife Trust. His documentaries for the BBC Natural History Unit have brought the natural world into the homes of millions of people worldwide. Andrew said: 'The High Brown Fritillary is one of the most endangered butterflies in Britain. I have been really impressed by the work being done here in Devon to ensure its survival.' Stephen Hatch, of Devon Butterfly Conservation, said: 'This is not just about butterflies. There's a close correlation between the kind of habitat High Browns need and the kind of moorland humans enjoy walking about in. 'We both need livestock on the moor to prevent a complete takeover by gorse and bracken.' The film will be available on DVD and can be viewed at the High Moorland Centre at Princetown. Free copies will be sent to schools and it can be purchased from Devon BC, Higher Neadon, Bridford, EX6 7JE, priced £3. Provided the sun shines, butterfly conservation members will be on Dunsford Meadow during the afternoon of Saturday July 19 to show the High Brown to visitors. The Meadow is close to the Clifford Bridge entrance at the west end of the Dunsford Nature Reserve.
