Radstock's wild and wonderful Haydon Batch is home to an amazing array of plants, butterflies and moths - but all could be threatened if dog fouling is not controlled - councillors were told last night (January 21).

A report from the Cam Valley Wildlife Group, presented at Radstock's Town Council meeting, described the stunning diversity of the nature reserve which is home to at least two threatened rare butterflies.

Radstock Town Council agreed to encourage further surveys of the area, including a night-time moth count.

Cllr Nick Toogood cautioned the meeting: " Can I suggest that we also inform the local constabulary when this is taking place, because a lot of lights up there over night might cause some concerns."

The report highlighted two species which have been seen at Haydon Batch ; the Small Heath butterfly is one of the species spotted and is probably the rarest, along with the Dingy Skipper butterfly.

The report presented to councillors stated: " Of these the Small Heath is the most important, being a UK BAP Priority Species, designated because of its severe decline and is now considered to be restricted to this one site within the Cam Valley Wildlife Area."

The details were given after the Wildlife Group approached the council last May to carry out an official natural survey of the area, to the south west of the Haydon allotments.

The report said that the area must be protected: " The flora-rich open flat area and the more sheltered warm south-facing and south-west-facing slopes are of particular value."

But alongside the good news of all the wildlife it warned:

" The batch is currently a popular recreational site, which has both benefits and disbenefits. Use of the site by the public... maintains a supply of bare ground, These are important ecological resources for a wide range of invertebrates from butterflies, to small solitary bees and helps provide good 'edge' habitats."

However the report goes on to warn about dog fouling which encourages rank plant growth, including from commercial dog walking.

This the authors maintain: " Acts against the retention of good quality habitat. It is recommended that dog fouling is discouraged and that members of the public are made aware of the impact of fouling on the good recreational, educational and nature conservation of the batch."