PLANS for a community farm on land near Worcester Lodge, Broadwell, may be scuppered, following the discovery of protected butterflies on the site.

The earmarked land, which organisers have been aiming to convert to a community farm project, was previously a caravan site, but is now mostly grassland, which is ideal for the Small Heath butterfly which has the scientific name Coenonnympha Pamphilus.

This is ranked as requiring a level of protection rated as 'high' in official tables.

The small orange butterfly, which seldom flies above a metre high, rests with its wings folded in, to show an 'eye' pattern at the tip. It will only fly in sunshine, and has an average wingspan of 34mm.

The discovery may end the idea of the community farm at Broadwell, since the Small Heath does not like cultivated ground.

A spokeswoman for the Community Farm project told the Review: "Since this a protected butterfly, and as it would not colonise on cultivated land, then this looks as if we will have to shelve the idea of using the land at Broadwell."

However, it is reported that another community farm project is being proposed for Coleford. The organisers of this have identified land they wish to develop, although the exact location is yet to be confirmed.