A RARE species of butterfly is to be re-introduced to the Malvern Hills 25 years after its extinction.

West Midlands Butterfly Conservation is planning to reintroduce an endangered butterfly called Pearl-bordered Fritillary on to the Malvern Hills 25 years after it became locally extinct.

Landowners on three different sites are supporting this project by modifying their habitat management to increase biodiversity and improve the local environment.

All sites are open to the public and guided walks are planned to help the local community understand much more about the behaviour of this rare species and how the habitat is managed to ensure it stays in the long term.

Mel Mason, vice-chair of WMBC, said: "This challenging project is an important milestone in reversing the decline of local wildlife species over recent decades.

"Already, volunteers are growing hundreds of dog violets to feed the caterpillars in our captive breeding programme ready to release on to selected sites.

"This is one of our most attractive spring butterflies seen as early as April and May.

"However, funding is needed to survey sites and support a local breeding programme over the next four years.

"We have raised £9,876 in pledges from the local community, but we need to reach our target of £13,526 to secure these pledges before the end of July."

To find out more about this exciting project and how you can help bring back the second most at risk butterfly species in the UK go to: www.spacehive.com/malvern-hills-lost-fritillaries-project