31 Jul 2025

Scarce butterflies surveyed by returning ranger

Written by Paul Williams

A man on a hillside uses a huge net to try and survey butterflies

Angus on the hunt for elusive butterflies at the top of Craigower Hill

Perthshire native Angus Todd has been on the hunt for an elusive butterfly species at some of the region’s most picturesque spots after returning to his role as Seasonal Ranger with the Trust.

Angus grew up in Perthshire and, as a child, visited many places in the area cared for by the Trust, such as Killiecrankie and Linn of Tummel. In his role, he has been assisting with a wider conservation project to find pearl-bordered fritillary (PBFs) butterflies in support of Butterfly Conservation. The project aims to halve the number of threatened butterfly and moth species in the UK, improve the condition of 100 important landscapes for these insects, and transform 100,000 wild spaces to make them more appealing to butterflies, moths … and visitors!

A man in a navy cap and polo shirt leans against a sign holding a butterfly net over his shoulder, with green vegetation and a distant view of mountains in the background.

Angus grew up in Perthshire and has returned to his role as Seasonal Ranger for the region.

PBFs have been identified as one of 27 partnership priority species in our Plan for Nature. Our policy, which sets out our ambitions to conserve the nature in our care, also highlights partnership priority species. When the Trust is in a tactical position to contribute ‘on the ground’ partnership work at our places, we support partner organisations undertaking wider conservation programmes to protect these species.

The butterfly surveys, carried out in May, have been made possible thanks to Angus’s role as Seasonal Ranger, supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Alongside his other duties, such as monitoring sites, leading events and visitor engagement, Angus has relished the opportunity to support nature conservation at some of his old haunts.

Man in navy cap and polo shirt with green trousers studies the contents of a clear container with a butterfly inside as he kneels in grassy vegetation with trees in the background.

Pair of hands hold a clear container with a dark brown and white spotted butterfly inside against the white and orange material of a butterfly net.

Angus said: ’It’s been fantastic to return to my role at the Trust and such a privilege to be able to support nature conservation at some of my favourite places in Perthshire. I have fond memories of exploring sites across the region as a kid, and it is a huge honour to return and lend my support to help protect their biodiversity.

’The annual surveys have been carried out at our places in Perthshire, such as Craigower and Killiecrankie, and I’ve identified some new sites for pearl-bordered fritillaries in Linn of Tummel too. These butterflies are quite scarce and difficult to identify correctly, which makes the surveys both challenging and rewarding. These sites provide ideal habitats for butterflies that prefer well-drained areas with a mosaic of vegetation and deciduous woodlands, where there is an abundance of warm bracken stands for shelter, and open meadows with native dog violets – the preferred food plant for PBF caterpillars.

’In total, we were able to spot 10 PBFs, and the surveys also uncovered a marked increase in speckled wood butterflies, too. Whilst these numbers were higher than our previous surveys, the national population trend has unfortunately seen a downward pattern. By conducting surveys earlier in the year during the main flight season for the butterfly species, we have been able to capture data to support Butterfly Conservation’s project, which helps them monitor trends and informs us of any conservation actions needed.’

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“It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People’s Postcode Lottery, that we’re able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland’s natural heritage at these special places for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.”

Angus Todd

Seasonal Ranger, Perthshire

Pair of hands hold a clear container with a dark brown and red butterfly inside, seen against the white and orange material of a butterfly net.

A Scotch argus butterfly that was recorded as part of the butterfly surveys at Craigower in Perthshire

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported our Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefitted from £900k last year. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats, including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland and the eight National Nature Reserves that we care for.

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: ’Players of People’s Postcode Lottery will be thrilled to know that they are contributing to the vital work of the National Trust for Scotland and its partners to protect the rare insects at some of our country’s most spectacular locations. By protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of these important habitats, we are helping to ensure the longevity of these species for future generations.’

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £4 million for the Trust. Funds are awarded by the Postcode Earth Trust.

The Love Our Nature project supports our vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.