The charity Butterfly Conservation nominated Network Rail for The Marsh Award for Promotion of Lepidoptera for work carried out alongside a stretch of track in Somerset. When a colony of large blues spread from the initial re-introduction site to an embankment along the nearby Taunton to London Paddington line, Network Rail was keen to ensure it thrived there.  | | The large blue has distinctive spots |
The large blue became extinct in the UK in 1979. It has since been re-introduced by a partnership of organisations, led by Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Dr Martin Warren, chief executive of Butterfly Conservation, said: "Network Rail's support has been critical to extend the large blue habitat and help ensure its long term survival. "Railway sidings are increasingly important for butterflies as they connect habitats together. As the climate changes, butterflies use these access routes to reach new areas to colonise. "Butterflies are indicators of the health of the environment. By ensuring land is managed for butterflies, we are preserving the countryside for all species." Network Rail has created a specially designed habitat in Somerset. The large blue's unique life cycle is dependent on the presence of both the red ant and wild thyme, and it is crucial that the habitat receives full sunshine to promote the growth of the plant. Roy Hamlin, Network Rail's general manager for the West Country, said: "With the help of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, we have built two new habitats beside the railway with south-facing slopes, which will provide the site with sunlight, allowing the butterfly to flourish. "As well as providing a safe and reliable railway, it is also important that we protect the environment. "Therefore we employ a number of environmental experts, as well as fund many similar projects throughout the railway. We are proud to accept an award which acknowledges this work." Brain Marsh OBE, founder of the Marsh Christian Trust, which makes the award, said: "I hope that many of us will look at railway sidings with renewed interest during long train journeys now." | 
