A nature trail which plays host to Britain’s smallest butterfly was launched last week.

The Devonshire Avenue Nature Area (DANA) was launched on Friday, July 13, with children from Devonshire Primary School, Sutton, taking part.

The area is home to the Small Blue Butterfly and care was taken not to damage its environment.

The butterfly’s chrysalis can only survive on Kidney Vetch, which is a small yellow wild flower that grows on chalky soil.

Around the nature trail there are signs describing some of the area’s rich flora and fauna.

Councillors were keen to improve play opportunities and suggested that a piece of play equipment be placed on the land.

After some difficult times with environmentalists, they improved DANA both as a nature reserve and as a place where children can play.

The South Sutton Neighbourhood Association, led by Colin Iddles, applied for funding to Viridor’s Landfill Tax Credits Scheme and was awarded £25,000.

Sutton South Councillor, Richard Clifton, said: “In my own view this is a major step forward in getting the nature area well used by children and with a strong emphasis on education and information.”