Mark Tunmore is a specialist in the study of the Marsh Fritillary in Cornwall, one of the rarest butterflies occurring in the county (protected under UK law) and threatened across Europe. It occurs in damp unimproved grassland and heathland where the sward structure is suitable and the foodplant of the caterpillar, Devil’s-bit Scabious, is present. The caterpillars form a distinctive ‘larval web’ in tussocks of grass, which may be seen in the autumn and early spring. Mark has worked closely with Natural England and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust in monitoring numbers of this species across their reserves since 2003 and offering management advice.

Are you looking for a Marsh Fritillary survey?
Please get in touch by email or call 07979 013257