10 ways to save our butterflies
As numbers plummet, here’s how you can help
SOME are flamboyant exhibitionists, others are furtive lurkers who blend with their surroundings. Vibrant orange or just plain beige, butterflies fluttering around a garden or meadow are always an idyllic summer sight.
But experts say numbers are plummeting and time is running out to save these beautiful insects.
As we reported on Wednesday, pollution and climate change are blamed for the decline of 76% of Britain’s butterflies since 1978. Now two-fifths are at risk of extinction.
The latest Red List for British butterflies makes grim reading with many native species under threat.
Four are already extinct and another eight endangered.
Matthew Oates, who became hooked on butterflies aged nine, says: “The news hurts. They are absolutely fascinating and captivating creatures and we must never give up.
“It’s not a lost cause. Small actions, such as growing a buddleja in a pot in a garden or on a balcony, really help. Imagine summer with no butterflies.”
Dr Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation agrees: “Targeted conservation can reduce the extinction risk but much more must be done to protect them from changing land management and climate change, otherwise species will continue to be lost.”
Vanishing butterflies are an ominous sign for many more animals and plants as they play crucial roles in the food chain and pollinate plants.
So what can we do to save them? Dr Fox shares his expert tips to help Britain’s 59 resident species…
1
Create a garden butterfly base Butterflies will visit any garden, however small, if they can feed from nectar plants. And a well-planned garden can attract more than 20 species. Position nectar plants in sunny, sheltered spots, choose a variety of plants to attract different species, put the same types of plant together in blocks, and create a safe space for butterflies, moths and caterpillars to shelter by leaving a pile of logs in a quiet corner.
2
Plant for the seasons Butterflies need flowers throughout the seasons. Spring flowers are vital for those coming out of hibernation while autumn flowers help build winter reserves. Good plants for summer nectar include buddleja shrubs (butterfly bush), lavender, verbena bonariensis, perennial wallflowers and marjoram.
3
Plant carefully Roses, shrubs or mid-sized perennials such as buddleja should go in the centre of borders with taller plants like verbena bonariensis around the outside.
4
Look after your garden You can help butterflies by prolonging flowering through deadheading, mulching with organic compost and watering.
5
Avoid pesticides Insecticides and pesticides kill butterflies as well as other pollinating insects like ladybirds and beetles.
6
Don’t buy peat compost Peat bogs are home to many important animals and plants, including the endangered Large Heath butterfly. There are good alternatives available at garden centres.
7
Let a patch of grass grow long You don’t have to let the whole garden grow wild but if you let at least a patch of grass grow long it can help attract insects including butterflies. Nettles are good!
8
Don’t forget caterpillars Remember to add a variety of caterpillar food plants like native shrubs to your garden. Caterpillars need food plants to survive and butterflies will be attracted to your garden to lay their eggs. Another benefit is that the more caterpillars you have, the more birds you’re likely to attract to feed on them. Plant trees like holly, alder, buckthorn and herbaceous plants such as broom, ivy, nasturtium and hops. Butterflies and caterpillars also like plants we don’t, such as nettles and thistles.
9
Even a small pot helps If you don’t have a garden you can still help. A small plant pot on a doorstep or balcony could ease butterflies from one habitat to the next.
10
Join the Big Butterfly Count Help conservationists learn more about what’s happening to butterflies by going to bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org. The survey is from July 15 to August 7. Spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot and record the amount and type of butterflies seen.