Butterflies Bridgend habitat protected by volunteers – and cows

The high brown fritillary butterfly, with its brilliant orange wings and black markings, was once widespread in Wales and England.

But now it is one of Britain’s most endangered butterflies, declining by 62 per cent since 1970.

One reason is the incredibly specific requirements for survival.

“They’re the best,” says Paul Dunn, who has spent more than 30 years working diligently to revive the butterfly’s fortunes at Old Castle Down, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

And now the volunteers have asked for a very common animal aid by letting the cows graze on site.