lulworth-skipper-prescription--ios.doc - Farmland Butterfly...

Farmland Butterfly Initiative
Target species information – HLS options and Indicators of Success
Lulworth Skipper –
Feature description
s41 Priority Species. The main habitats are unfertilised calcareous grasslands, including chalk downland,
coastal grassland and undercliffs. Most colonies are on south-facing slopes and grasslands sheltered from
onshore winds. The butterfly breeds on tall patches of Tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum that are lightly
grazed.
Relevant HLS Options
HK06 Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland
HK07 Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland
HC15 Maintenance of successional areas and scrub
HC16 Restoration of successional areas and scrub
HK15 Maintenance of grassland for target features
HK16 Restoration of grassland for target features
Prescription guidance for HK06/HK07
In year [1 to 5], follow a programme (agreed in writing with your NE adviser) of rotational scrub
management. Never manage more than [30%] of the site in any one year and never completely eradicate
scrub from the site.
[From year 1], manage the sward by [grazing with cattle and/or sheep] to achieve a sward height of
[between 10cm and 50cm in summer and no less than 10cm in winter].
Manage the grassland to achieve the indicators by [extensive grazing with cattle and/or sheep from late
summer to winter] at a maximum density of Xlu/ha.
Indicators of Success for HK06/HK07
[By year 2], the average sward height between [XX and XX should be around 12cm and ranging from 10cm
to 50cm] in spring before closing for hay.
[By year 2] one or more of species [bugle, daisy, XXXX or other popular nectar plants] should be in flower
during May and June, and at least [occasional] across the target area.