Cotswold canals may soon be overrun with rare blue butterfly

Those taking Canal boat holidays in Cotswolds may be lucky enough to spot the large blue butterfly species, which was recently re-introduced into the region.

Populations are now reportedly thriving across the popular countryside area, reports the Guardian, after Oxford University professor of ecology Jeremy Thomas and a colleague brought eggs over from Sweden.

The Cotswold sites are set to remain a secret until the butterfly populations are firmly established, with David Simcox, who worked with professor Thomas to distribute the species, explaining to the newspaper: 'We're hoping to create a landscape of at least a dozen sites ultimately.'

Blue butterflies are in serious decline and many species are classed as either endangered or vulnerable, according to the National Trust.

The Large Blue Maculinea arion still occurs in 37 countries, but is estimated to have declined by up to 80 per cent in recent decades and is only deemed stable in seven countries. ADNFCR-2853-ID-19877098-ADNFCR

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