A NEW watercolour exhibition at the High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown features the butterflies of Dartmoor — and guided walks will enable visitors to spot them.

Up to 25 species of butterfly are present on Dartmoor, with July being the best month to spot them. They include the high brown fritillary, purple hairstreak, ringlet and white admiral, some of them nationally rare species.

The exhibition by Chagford-based artist Eleanor Ludgate runs from June 26 to July 22.

Eleanor said butterflies were a subject dear to her heart and she never grew tired of painting 'these elusive jewels of the air'. She hoped the exhibition would help to raise awareness of the importance of the wonderful creatures.

There will be more than 20 original works on display together with prints, plus information and a film from the Butterfly Conservation, focussing on the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project.

Dartmoor and Exmoor are the focus of the project, working to restore the fortunes of the high brown, marsh and heath fritillary butterflies. It provides advice and support to landowners on habitat management if these species occur on their land, or if there is potential for habitat restoration.

DNPA has arranged the programme of guided walks to allow visitors to experience the beauty of Dartmoor's butterflies. Meet at Trendlebere Down at 1.30pm on July 17 or 24 for a three-hour walk, costing £5 for anyone over 14.

For the butterflies of the hay meadows, join a guide on July 2, 8 and 12.

Each walk starts at 2pm and lasts for two hours. The hay meadow walks include a cream tea at either Lydgate House Hotel or Beechwood Guest House. The cost is £6.80 per person and booking is essential on 01822 890414.