A popular conservation project that closed in 2015 has now been accepted as a registered charity to the delight of campaigners.

Butterfly World, in Chiswell Green, closed in December 2015 after the owners, Breheny Civil Engineering, found that it was not financially viable in the way that it was operated.

A team of volunteers, charity workers, professionals and friends of the Butterfly World Project set up a petition to gage interest in the conservation centre, which was signed by over 57,000 people.

Just 18 days after applying, Save Butterfly World was granted charity status. The charity is now looking for further support from the surrounding area to put in front of St Albans District Council.

John Horsfield, chair of Save Butterfly World, said: “We were amazed that it took just 18 days to be accepted. We are now asking for people in St Albans and the surrounding area to get in touch with us with support that can be presented to the council.”

“It is a really valuable conservation project. We have 26 species there and we want to make sure that this habitat does not change.”

Mr Horsfield added that the butterflies should be ok for another year, but after that the area is at risk of deteriorating.

He said: “If we can get the centre up and running again we want to improve the whole thing. We want to focus on education and it will be run on a 52 week basis.”

Save Butterfly World plan to work closely with Breheny Civil Engineering if the project is to go ahead.

To support Save Butterfly World, visit www.savebutterflyworld.com.