WILDLIFE on Dartmoor is set to benefit from a three-year project which aims to highlight the need for conservation of unique moorland flora and fauna.

Action for Wildlife — The Dartmoor Biodiversity Project, builds on the success of the pilot Dart Biodiversity Project and encompasses the whole of the national park.

The project includes habitat action plans for moorland, woodland and freshwater, with species action plans for mosses, lichens, ferns and other rare plants — including Vigur's eyebright, which can only be found near Lydford.

Project officer Susan Bragg said the recent appointment of Sarah Mellor as assistant project officer enabled Action for Wildlife to 'provide considerably more support for people living and working on Dartmoor who wished to help Dartmoor's unique wildlife'.

She said: 'The project has already undertaken some exciting work, including the removal of conifer trees from heather moorland, fencing works to protect important salmon spawning areas and an educational project to encourage secondary school children to explore the rich biodiversity of Dartmoor.'

High brown and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies — which can be found in the Horrabridge, Mary Tavy, South Zeal and Chagford areas — are among the fauna given special mention in the action plan.

Also found in these areas and around Postbridge are the marsh fritillary, with the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth only being located near Mary Tavy, Postbridge and Chagford.

Birds are also set to benefit — including the golden plover, which is confined to an area of blanket bog between Postbridge and Lydford, and the ring ouzel.

Field boundaries, trees and rocks will be covered by the project, which includes tors, mines and quarries.

Sites of special significance will be safeguarded against threats through direct planning controls and other consultation procedures.

Positive management will be encouraged, with on-site advice available to landowners and managers.

The project is funded and co-ordinated by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, Duchy of Cornwall, English Nature, Environment Agency and DEFRA.

Copies of the action plan are available from the High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown.