| I have discussed in previous content how to attract insects, bees and birds to your garden; however, now l will discuss butterflies. Many of the previous tips can be applied in many respects, but a few variations might help those interested and enthusiastic about garden projects more directly. 80% of the UK’s butterfly population has declined since the mid-seventies, which is indeed alarming, never mind what the statistics are like for the rest of the world. It is a sad fact that butterflies are declining fast globally. Closer research reveals nearly a 45% decline in our native species. We have 59 species of butterfly in the UK. There is even a severe decline in the migration of butterfly species to our shores. As a child in Malaysia, where I spent a few years, I was fortunate to witness the vibrant diversity of butterflies – they have around 1200 species today, more or less, although less sadly – and in Australia – who have roughly 400 species – where I spent most of my early childhood with my family. Even as a teenager here in England, the butterflies that used to grace our typical haunts, no longer seem to frequent the usual places, leaving a void in my heart. In the eighties, it wasn’t unusual to see fields of wildflowers and splashings of fluttering colour in the hundreds during the summer months in Surrey. Yet, the more people my age speak to, the more they tell me they do not see the butterfly numbers we saw as children. The decline of butterfly species is not an isolated issue; it’s a part of a larger problem. Winged insect groups are also disappearing from Britain, with many species on the brink of extinction today. This is a crisis that demands our immediate attention and action. It is always hard to get accurate figures, and many reports are the results of studies carried out on nature reserves, rural areas or wildlife parks and, as such, do not show a more realistic and broader decline of species throughout the kingdom. Of course, there are conservation successes. Still, these are primarily on specific species, like the purple emperor, large blue, and swallowtail, and not on the broader range of species. What is sadder is that much of the significant decline is in England, whilst Scotland seems to be fairing better with conservation. However, these are linked predominantly with a slower rate of climate change. However, if we choose to take action, we as individuals hold the power to do more and assist with the struggling biodiversity. It would be ideal if our governments took this issue seriously and acted more responsibly, but that will require more than they are currently willing to delegate to the project funding. The onus is on us to make a difference. Butterflies, like bees, are crucial pollinators; when you see them on flowers to feed on the nectar, they also transfer pollen. As a species – like moths and caterpillars- they are also vital parts of the food chain of bats and birds during the nesting and fledgling seasons of spring and summer. Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for our ecosystem. When you see lots of butterflies, this is a clear signal that the environment is healthy; however, with many species in decline, we come back to the statements made by many people that they no longer see butterflies in the great numbers they did as children—leading to the conclusion that we are now living in an unhealthy environment. But we know that, don’t we? If you have access to a garden, an allotment, a community garden or allotment, green wild growing space, recreational areas, park space with permission, or even volunteering projects with nature reserves and the like, you too can make a difference. By creating a butterfly-friendly environment, you can help to reverse the decline of these beautiful creatures. Like the bees and other pollinators, you can help by creating a butterfly boudoir, a haven and secret garden space for them filled with friendly plants and shrubs, flowers, herbs and even fruit trees. |
| Red Admiral |
| Peacock Butterfly Caterpillars feeding on a nettle patch |
| Butterfly Suggestions Planting out flowers that are rich in nectar. They can be planted on borders, beds, pots, balconies, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Consider planting a diverse range of flowers such as zinnias, pansies, red campion, marigolds, salvias, mallow, snapdragon, aster, sunflowers, cornflowers, clover, hollyhock, lavender, bluebell, daylily, yarrow, trefoil, thistle, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, forget me not and poppy. The key is to sow and plant a diverse mixture – butterflies, like us, thrive on variety and choice. The more diverse your garden, the more species of butterflies you’ll attract, keeping your garden a vibrant hub of biodiversity. Other plants, fruits and vegetables, shrubs or herbs which can include and are not restricted to rosemary, sage, mint, thyme, holly, nettles, bramble, hawthorn, dwarf ivies, butterfly Buddleia bush, red valerian, verbena, hebes, wild marjoram, parsley, fennel, raspberries, blackberries, courgettes, squash, pumpkin, cabbage, basil – the list can be pretty endless, so gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts alike are never short of choice. By cultivating such a diverse range, you are not just creating a beautiful garden, but also playing a crucial role in promoting biodiversity, a responsibility we all share. Creating a butterfly-friendly environment is easier than you think. Try to be thoughtful about sowing and planting flowers. Think about having flowers for as long as possible, from spring through to autumn, because winter can be hard on the pollinators. Try to plant flowers in blocks or patches, as this allows for more significant feeding of both adults and caterpillars. With these simple steps, you can make a significant difference and feel confident in your ability to contribute to butterfly conservation. Other things can also be done, like leaving some fruit, like apples, pears, and so on, on trees and just allowing them to rot organically, allowing the butterflies to feed on them. Or perhaps fruit that has just passed the consumption date and become soft or mushy, like bananas, plums or apricots. Be mindful of too much sweetness left, as this will also appeal to wasps, which may become a significant problem for your green space and visitors. Just like bees, butterflies also need a place to land and drink water. Consider setting up a flat dish or an old frying pan with a large rock or flat pebble in it. This will provide a safe landing spot for butterflies to walk to the edge and drink water, ensuring their survival in your garden. An alternative is to fill a small dish with sand, moisten it, and place it somewhere safe so the visiting butterflies can land and breathe on something cool. You could also place some cut soft fruit, like pears, within. It’s crucial to avoid using pesticides and insecticides in your garden. These chemicals not only harm butterflies but also other vital pollinators and insects, such as spiders and ground beetles. By refraining from their use, you’re contributing significantly to the conservation of these important species. Remember, butterflies love sunny locations and warmth but appreciate sheltered areas. So before planting flowers and shrubs, ask yourself if the chosen area has enough natural shelter. Think of basic husbandry requirements for your butterfly space, like not deadheading too soon, remembering to water the plants to keep them friendly and healthy, and, if mulching, consider doing so with homemade compost. All of these observations will encourage wildlife to your haven and keep the area healthier for longer. Consider creating a special butterfly feed, such as a sweet, sugary liquid mix, which can give them energy. This kind of assistance goes a long way, especially in the seasons when the flowers are either dying off or just before they start to blossom properly. Mix a weak butterfly solution with a 10 – 1 ratio of water to sugar with a couple of drops of soy sauce and heat in a saucepan until all the sugar has dissolved and leave to cool. Butterflies are drawn to specific colours – orange, red, yellow, blue and purple. If you used a cloth of these colours, dipped it into the sugary mix, and lay it over the foliage in the green space, butterflies would land upon it and take refuge. Always ensure that it doesn’t dry out. You could also create your own butterfly house or find a good quality design and purchase it online; however, research must be thorough, as if the model is too roughly cut, it could easily tear the wings off butterflies. Last but not least, invest in a good butterfly identification guide to quickly recognise all the visitors to your garden. |
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