FIFTY farmers, landowners and farm students descended on Grafton Flyford to learn how to conserve a rare species of butterfly by managing hedgerows.

The Brown Hairstreak butterfly was thought to be extinct in the West Midlands until its rediscovery in 1970 in the orchard next to Grafton Wood.

Since then, Butterfly Conservation, the Wildlife Trust and landowners have helped the colony to expand.

People who attended a special workshop in Grafton Flyford Village Hall, east of Worcester, were taught about the planting, restoration and laying of hedgerows.

Following presentations during the morning, there was a practical hedge-laying session in the afternoon at Church Farm.

"As far as we know, this is still the only location for brown hairstreak in the West Midlands, so it's very important that we work proactively for its conservation," said Jane Ellis, regional officer for Butterfly Conservation.

"The brown hairstreak requires blackthorn hedges on which to lay its eggs. Continued hedgerow removal and intensive hedgerow management are responsible for its decline.

"However, the brown hairstreak does respond positively to sensitive hedgerow management and we hope to increase its numbers in Worcestershire by educating interested parties in this way."

Speakers at the workshop included, Tim Evans, a hedging contractor, and representatives from Defra's Rural Development Service for the West Midlands, Butterfly Conservation, and the Worcestershire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.