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AN historic manor house near Bradford on Avon will play host to an event designed to highlight the plight of the British butterfly.

On Sunday, the Wiltshire branch of the Butterfly Conservation will be hosting a free family butterfly day at Iford Manor, which has been co-sponsored by Iford Arts.

The Butterfly Conservation is marking its 40th anniversary this year, with the Wiltshire branch set up 12 years ago with the help of a grant from the Wiltshire Times.

The charity's nationwide Save Our Butterflies week will run from tomorrow until July 27th. A moth trap will be set up at Iford Manor overnight on Saturday, with the haul put on display to visitors on Sunday.

A butterfly orientated treasure hunt, a colouring competition, face painting and guided walks to identify moths and butterflies around the estate will be among the activities held during the event, which runs from midday to 4pm.

In addition a digital photo competition will be held. Iford Teas, ice creams and soft drinks will be available from the Manor tearooms from 2pm onwards.

The Wiltshire branch has helped preserve the populations of threatened species the Duke of Burgundy and the Marsh Fritillary, both of which are in serious decline. The Duke of Burgundy is the country's most threatened species and Wiltshire is now its strongest toehold thanks to the efforts of branch members.

The branch has held other events to mark its parent organisation's 40th anniversary including a clean-up day at West Yatton Down, near Castle Combe, in March and a champagne reception and dinner dance at the Manor Farmhouse in Biddestone, near Chippenham, in June.

For more information about the Iford event, contact Hugo Brooke at the Butterfly Conservation, Wiltshire branch, on 01225 329248 or visit www.wiltshire-butterflies.org.uk

9:00am Friday 18th July 2008

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