Sir David, who is president of Butterfly Conservation, has outlined a new strategy to halt the decline of Britain's butterflies.
Hampshire has been included among 20 areas in the country where efforts will be focused on rebuilding the butterfly po
pulations.
Work will centre on the New Forest, which is a national stronghold for the silver-studded blue butterfly.
Members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch of Butterfly Conservation said they were thrilled with the news.
Branch conservation officer Dr Andy Barker said: 'It's not just here in Hampshire that butterflies are vanishing, it's right across Europe.
'Butterfly habitat has been destroyed across vast tracts of land by intensification of modern farming and forestry practices, driven by economic pressures.'
He added: 'We are fortunate in Hampshire to have many landowners with a positive outlook towards wildlife, and some excellent nature reserves that provide ideal habitat for butterflies and other wildlife.
'But small colonies are always vulnerable. The new strategy will allow butterflies to spread their wings and establish new colonies.'
The full article contains 197 words and appears in The News newspaper.
