An aerial photography firm was among the last to capture Butterfly World on film before its closure.

Ben Hughes, who runs SkyPhocal in St Albans, contacted the Herts Advertiser after reading that the sanctuary’s owner was shutting it down.

He said the firm, which has put the footage on YouTube, used a remote controlled drone to capture footage of the attraction in Chiswell Green at the end of September, “unaware that it was its final days.

“It’s a terrible shame as it’s such a unique and magical place.”

Ben said that the firm normally took agricultural shots, taking aerial footage to help solve problems, and was licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

He added: “We didn’t know Butterfly World was in the position they were in – we saw the place and were captivated by it, as it is so unusual to have anything like that on such an expansive piece of land.

“I hope they are able to keep it as Butterfly World is so unique, anywhere in the world. It’s a piece of history, which could disappear.”

A recent major scientific study has revealed that more than three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies have declined in the last 40 years.

In a joint report, Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said conservation efforts had started to turn around the fortunes of some of the UK’s endangered butterflies.

But, they warn, the deterioration of suitable habitats due to agricultural intensification and changing woodland management are major causes of the decline of butterflies.

Chris Packham, Butterfly Conservation vice-president, said: “The future of the UK’s butterflies does not have to be bleak. This report shows conservation work can and does turn around the fortunes of our most threatened butterflies.”