Stratford Butterfly Farm's Plea to Help Stop the Decline of UK Butterflies

Richard Lamb and Dr Richard Fox. Photo courtesy of Stratford Butterfly Farm.

By Tanya Aspinwall.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm has issued a plea to help halt the decline of UK butterflies. Butterfly Conservation, the British charity devoted to saving butterflies and moths, has recently declared a national “butterfly emergency” after their annual Big Butterfly Count recorded its lowest ever numbers in the count's 14-year history. BBC Breakfast broadcast live from Stratford Butterfly Farm on Wednesday 18 September to discuss the results with Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation and Richard Lamb, General Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm.

The results are extremely concerning as butterfly numbers are an indicator of how healthy the environment is. However, there is still positive news as this downward trend in time can be reversed and everyone can do their bit to help. Creating a butterfly-friendly garden is one of the simplest ways in which people can make a difference, especially planting nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, thyme, hebe and echinacea or creating a wildflower meadow. As well as planting nectar-rich flowers, caterpillar food plants, such as wild grasses and nettles are also needed.

Richard Lamb, General Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said, “The loss of habitat and climate change is having a major effect on our British butterflies. To understand and see what is happening with our butterflies, it is vital to keep monitoring their levels and doing what we can to halt the decline of these beautiful insects”.

In colder weather butterflies need to find shelter and some species like the ‘Peacock’ will hibernate. Creating a log pile can help offer butterflies protection and fallen leaves and logs offer natural insulation. Some butterflies overwinter as caterpillars and will need protected spots in grass, under stones or in leaf piles. Pesticides should be avoided as these kill butterflies, bees, and other insects. Peat free compost is also recommended as peat extraction destroys peatland habitats, home to many species of butterflies, and other wildlife.

Peacock Butterfly. Photo credit Adam McVeigh.

Those without a garden can still create a small but effective habitat for butterflies by making a mini garden on a windowsill, balcony or outside their front door. Plants like lavender, thyme, oregano and marjoram fit perfectly in containers. Communities, schools and businesses can also do their bit to help by using butterfly friendly plants in their landscaping and raising awareness by encouraging butterfly friendly practices.

Another great way to help is to support conservation groups like Butterfly Conservation by either volunteering, donating or reporting butterfly sightings. Butterfly Conservation has local branches all over the UK, each running projects to restore threatened habitats. People can help Butterfly Conservation with their call on the Government to take urgent action by signing their open letter. Already 12,000 people have signed the letter, and they hope to reach 20,000 signatures. For more information, please visit https://butterfly-conservation.org/emergency

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles, and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 6pm, last entry 5:30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including purchasing gift vouchers, admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.