Record numbers of a rare breed of moth have been discovered in a forest in Dorset following a restoration project to protect the species.

Figures of the Barberry Carpet Moth have soared over the last four years since the last survey at Blandford Forest.

50 larvae were discovered in this year's survey compared to 14 in 2018, a percentage increase of 257% making it one of the strongest populations of the species in the UK.

Mark Warn, Wildlife Ranger for Forestry England, said: “Our woodlands in Dorset provide a really important home for many different types of wildlife and we are delighted to see the Barberry Carpet Moth returning in such good numbers. We hope by continuing to create the right habitat we will see their numbers increase even further.”

"These beautiful and delicate medium-sized moths have two generations a year, laying their eggs on the leaves of wild Barberry plants in early and late summer. Following their larval stage, they spend winter in a cocoon just below the surface of the soil."

The Barberry Carpet Moth began declining in the 19th century after the removal of wild Barberry bushes, which the moths rely on to feed and breed. However many of these bushes were removed from hedgerows on a huge scale due to a link with the wheat stem rust fungus which modern wheat strains are now largely resistant to.

By the late 1980s, the species was known to occur on just a single site. Following conservation and targeted surveys, just 12 populations are now believed to be left in the country. These are found at Blandford Forest in Dorset, and at locations in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.

But Forestry England along with the Butterfly Conservation has supported the return of the species by planting wild barberry plants in the woodlands to help encourage the expansion of the species.

The forestry team cultivated seedlings from plants already in the woodland and secured extra plants from the Back from the Brink project. Carefully looked after to ensure they have sufficient light and suitable conditions to grow within the wood, these bushes are now providing a critical habitat for this rare moth.

The team have also started planting Barberry in nearby locations to strengthen the local population and encourage even greater numbers of this threatened species over the coming years.