Forestry Commission Scotland and Butterfly Conservation Scotland (BCS) have teamed up to open a new nature reserve in Mabie Forest, near Dumfries, to attract and boost butterfly numbers.

Ponds and wetland habitats have been enhanced, pockets of woodland have been cleared to encourage more shrubland and roadside vegetation has been modified to support wildflowers.

In addition, over the coming years, sculptures and interpretation boards will be installed in the reserve to educate visitors, including school children, of the forest’s wildlife.

Robin Fuller of the Commission said: “Mabie forest is very popular with visitors and is often known as a great place for the family to go and enjoy scenic and peaceful walks or a fun mountain bike ride. However, Mabie is also a hidden oasis for many really interesting and rare creatures.”

Mabie Forest provides a haven for more than 20 different species of butterfly, including three of the most endangered butterflies in the UK, as well as dragonflies, damselflies, owls, bats, woodpeckers and the rarely seen churring nightjar.

Photograph: courtesy of BCS, which will be responsible for the haven's upkeep