People urged to give nature a hand

People are being urged to take steps to help butterflies and moths this spring as part of a project which experts said could boost the mental health of those who take part.

The campaign by charity Butterfly Conservation to prevent further declines in species of butterflies and moths comes after research found last year’s lockdown saw an increase in the amount of people spending time in nature.

The Cumbria University study revealed 83% of respondents said they had taken time to notice butterflies and bees.

A short amount of time spent in nature can alleviate stress and make people feel happier and more energised, according to Butterfly Conservation.

The Nature for Nuture project, in partnership with Dobbies Garden Centres, aims to provide householders with tools and information that can help boost numbers of pollinators.

Dr Kate Dent, director of engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said: “We can all do our little bit towards helping butterflies, wherever we live, in the knowledge that it’s helping our mental health too.

“Whether it’s caring for herb seedlings in a window box, planting wildflowers in your garden or learning afresh how to breathe and feel the gift of nature in our local green spaces.”

The charity said 76% of the UK’s butterfly species have declined over the last 40 years while numbers of UK larger moths have declined by more than 30% in the last 50 years.

As well as being important pollinators, the insects are part of ecosystems supporting birds and mammals.

For more, go to butterfly-conservation.org/nurturefornature