NATURE lovers are urged to help plant up to 1,000 native trees on Sunday to help give an elusive breed of butterfly a fighting chance.

A group of Delamere conservation volunteers spotted a resident colony of white letter hairstreak butterflies in a small stand of elm trees but the more mature trees are already succumbing to Dutch elm's disease, prompting the group to organise the day.

Richard Eckton, from the Old Pale volunteers group, said: "We were already working with the Forestry Commission, on whose land the trees were standing, on a number of other conservation projects and so approached them about planting hybrid elms, which would be resistant to the disease."

The white-letter hairstreak butterfly lives out its life flitting around treetops so is rarely seen by non-enthusiasts.

Their sole food plant is the much blighted elm.

The Forestry Commission is providing the hybrid elms and preparing the ground for planting.

"As large local landowners we are always looking for ways to improve the way we manage our land to benefit local wildlife," said Vernon Stockton, Forestry Commission nursery manager.

"We were excited when the Old Pale volunteers approached us with the information that we had white-letter hairstreaks in the area and are happy that we can do something towards protecting this vital colony."

As part of an existing partnership the Cheshire Wildlife Trust has been advising on the changes being made for wildlife in the area.

Katie Piercy, Delamere Mossland officer, said: "It’s fantastic what the Old Pale volunteers and the Forestry Commission have achieved here.

"It shows how much wildlife can benefit from simple measures put in by local people and organisations."

For more information about the planting day email Katie Piercy at kpiercy@cheshirewt.org.uk.