Current status
The barberry carpet is named after the foodplant of its larvae, barberry Berberis vulgaris, which occurs in hedgerows and woodland edges in sunny situations.
In the UK five colonies are known to remain in the wild: one in each of Suffolk, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Formerly the moth occurred in other counties from Devon and Sussex north to Yorkshire. The species has been recorded from most European countries eastwards to Asia Minor and the Caucasus and reaches its northernmost limit in south-east Sweden.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Endangered. It is given full protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Widespread eradication of the foodplant since the 19th century because it is a host of the wheat-rust fungus Puccinia graminis (to which most strains of wheat are now resistant).
Damage to the foodplant by burning, mechanised hedge trimming and hedgerow removal.
Current action
The species has been the subject of an NE Species Recovery Programme since 1995.
One site has been notified as an SSSI.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Enhance the population size at all known sites by 2010.
Restore the species to an additional series of 10 viable populations within its former range by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, encourage the planting of native barberry through agri-environment, hedgerow and woodland grant schemes. (ACTION: NE, FC, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. Emphasis should be given to the appropriate management of hedgerows. (ACTION: NE)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the barberry carpet are taken into account in relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: LAs)
Ensure that the barberry carpet is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: NE)
Consider sites supporting the barberry carpet for notification as SSSIs where this is necessary to secure their long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Initiate a programme of captive breeding to provide material for experimental study and establishment trials. (ACTION: NE)
Reintroduce the barberry carpet to a series of former sites, if necessary to establish an additional 10 self-sustaining populations. (ACTION: NE)
Enforce current legislation in cases of collecting. (ACTION: NE, Police authorities)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of the species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
As far as possible, ensure that all relevant agri-environment project officers, and members of regional agri-environment consultation groups, are advised of locations of this species, its importance, and the management needed for its conservation. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the status of the species. (ACTION: NE)
Conduct targeted autecological research to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Establish a regular monitoring programme for the species, including an assessment of occupied and potential sites, to monitor the effectiveness of management agreements. (ACTION: NE)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation in national and international databases. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and conservation of this species on an international level, and use the experience gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of this species and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. This should be achieved through articles within appropriate journals, as well as by a publicity leaflet. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p371)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species