A DORSET scientist has caused a flutter in the butterfly world by writing an award-winning paper.

Dr Caroline Bulman's writing on butterfly and moth conservation has scooped the James Cup for the best article of the year in a forestry journal.

Her article suggested ways in which woodland managers could help prevent declines in the insects' numbers.

Dr Bulman, a senior species ecologist from Milborne St Andrew, works with the UK conservation charity Butterfly Conservation.

She said: "I am delighted to receive the award.

"Butterfly Conservation has been working with a number of woodland managers and owners who have made a real difference to local populations of butterflies.

"Reintroducing coppicing, for instance, can help many species, including the pearl-bordered fritillary which has been declined by more than 60 per cent over the last 30 years."

Royal Forestry Society president John Besent presented Dr Bulman with the academic honour.

He said: "This was an inspirational paper. Our members include many land owners and managers who are working hard to combine commercial woodland management with increasing the biodiversity of native flora and fauna."

Dr Bulman shares the award with Sandy Greig of Glenageary, who wrote a paper on Carbon Issues in UK Forestry.

The award winners were invited for a four-day fact-finding tour of woodlands in the South of England.

Mike Seddon, deputy surveyor of the New Forest, showed the pair around and discussed topics ranging from river systems and wet woodlands to climate change issues and veteran tree management.

Mr Besent added: "The New Forest, as the UK's newest, smallest and most densely populated National Park, faces a range of pressures in woodland management.

"The 100-year vision for the forest is a timescale which woodland managers can relate to.

"Our visit to the New Forest was a learning experience for everyone."