Make your garden more welcoming

FOR BOTH INSECTS

Choose an array of different plants to attract a wide range of species. Group similar plants together in blocks. Prolong flowering by deadheading, mulching with garden compost, and watering well to keep the plants healthy.

Don’t use insecticides or pesticides – they kill butterflies, moths and many other pollinating insects, as well as ladybirds, ground beetles and spiders.

Use peat-free compost. Peat bogs are home to many special animals and plants, including large heath butterflies, which are declining across Europe.

FOR MOTHS

Leave fallen leaves, old stems and other plant debris around the garden, as places to overwinter or to hide from predators.

FOR BUTTERFLIES

Plant butterfly-friendly nectar plants in sunny, sheltered spots, as butterflies like warmth.

Provide flowers right through the butterfly season. Spring flowers are vital when they are coming out of hibernation, while autumn flowers help butterflies build up their reserves for winter.