Home / Environment / Rare Butterfly Population Surges Over 50% at Cannock Chase
Rare Butterfly Population Surges Over 50% at Cannock Chase
2 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Dingy Skipper butterfly population up over 50% since 2023
- National decline of 40% in species since 1970s
- Habitat management by rangers and volunteers credited
In a heartening conservation success story, Staffordshire's Cannock Chase Country Park has witnessed a remarkable surge in the population of the rare Dingy Skipper butterfly. According to a recent survey by Staffordshire County Council, the number of Dingy Skippers at the park has increased by more than 50% since the previous survey in 2023.
This is particularly significant as the species has faced a concerning 40% decline nationwide since the 1970s. Dingy Skippers are pollinators that thrive in areas with high biodiversity, and the Fives Valley area of Cannock Chase has provided the perfect habitat for them to flourish.
The council's cabinet member, Hayley Coles, praised the "years of careful management by our rangers and volunteers" that have contributed to the butterfly's resurgence. Ongoing efforts to clear invading birch scrub and maintain the grassland and wildflowers essential for the Dingy Skipper's food plant have been crucial in protecting this vulnerable species.
With additional funding secured from conservation organizations, the council plans to continue its habitat management work and annual surveys to support the Dingy Skipper and other wildlife at Cannock Chase. This success story serves as a testament to the vital role of conservation efforts in safeguarding the future of endangered species.
