A new conservation initiative is underway at Bury Ditches in the Shropshire Hills, aiming to protect and expand one of the UK’s most important populations of the rare Wood White butterfly (Leptidea sinapis).
Led by Forestry England’s Community Ranger Kaitlyn Elverson, the Woods for Wood White project is funded by the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Conservation Fund and supported by Butterfly Conservation.
Supporting a declining species
The Wood White is one of the UK’s smallest and most delicate butterflies, recognised by the soft grey shading on its wings and its low, fluttering flight close to the ground. Though it resembles the more common Small and Large White, the Wood White has suffered significant national declines in recent decades.
The Shropshire Hills remain a stronghold for the species, with Bury Ditches and neighbouring Forestry England sites providing ideal habitat. Around 42% of the UK’s Wood White sites are found in the West Midlands, making the area crucial to the butterfly’s future.
Habitat management at Bury Ditches
The project began in April 2025 and runs until April 2026. Work focuses on maintaining and enhancing ride‑side and “scallop” clearings along forest roads—habitats favoured by the Wood White for feeding and egg laying.
Clearing gorse, bramble, broom and other vegetation allows important wildflowers such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Meadow Vetchling, and Tufted Vetch to thrive. These plants provide essential food and shelter for Wood White caterpillars and adults.
So far, the project has:
Delivered approximately 5,900 square metres of habitat management using a roboflail and volunteer support.
Hosted two public talks to raise awareness of the species and the project.
Begun work on a new interpretation board for the Bury Ditches car park, created with local illustrator Sarah Jameson, to be installed soon.
Early indications suggest that conservation work in the area may already be increasing habitat connectivity; Natural Resources Wales has recently recorded Wood Whites in nearby woodlands.
Call for volunteers – 4 February 2026
Local people are invited to take part in the next volunteer work party on 4 February 2026 at Bury Ditches. Volunteers will help rake and remove cut vegetation, clear gorse and bramble from roadside areas, and create habitat piles to support wider woodland biodiversity.
No prior experience is required, and tools and materials will be provided. A welfare van will be available on site throughout the day.
Volunteers are asked to bring:
Outdoor clothing suitable for winter weather
Sturdy boots
Lunch and drinks (light refreshments provided)
How to get involved
Anyone interested in joining the volunteer day or finding out more about the project can contact:
Kaitlyn Elverson, Community Ranger
📧 Kaitlyn.elverson@forestryengland.uk
More information about visiting Bury Ditches can be found at:
🌐 https://www.forestryengland.uk/bury-ditches