A rare butterfly has been reintroduced to a beauty spot near Norwich after being absent for more than 70 years.

The silver-studded blue butterfly was previously a regular spot at Broadland Country Park in Horsford.

The butterflies' habitats have mostly been lost to housing and can now only be found in four Norfolk locations.

Norwich Evening News: The rare butterfly has been returned to the heathland thanks to the ants that have moved back in to protect them The rare butterfly has been returned to the heathland thanks to the ants that have moved back in to protect them (Image: Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society)

READ MORE: Expert's advice on helping Norwich wildlife survive heat

However, wildlife experts have re-introduced the species to Broadland Country Park after taking some butterflies from Buxton Heath.  

The project involved several partners, with Dr Mark Collins leading the project for the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society.

Dr Collins said: “This is a protected species, and we had permission from Natural England, as well as vital support from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, who manage Buxton Heath, and Butterfly Conservation, which has unrivalled experience of such translocations.” 

Norwich Evening News: The butterfly has been returned to the Horsford heathland The butterfly has been returned to the Horsford heathland (Image: Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society)

READ MORE: Escaped chipmunks spotted in NR3 Sussex St gardens

Alan Dawson, who monitors the silver-studded blue at Buxton Heath for Butterfly Conservation, added: “It was time to take some individuals back to their restored home.”

The country park was established by Broadland District Council and opened up to the public in March 2021. 

Norwich Evening News: Dave Weaver, Alan Dawson & Mark Collins preparing butterflies for translocation Dave Weaver, Alan Dawson & Mark Collins preparing butterflies for translocation (Image: Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society)

Dave Weaver, an award-winning volunteer, said: “With careful management, this will be an important site for nature recovery and biodiversity in Norfolk.”