Butterfly bonanza
You’ve probably realised by now that we’re potty about doing whatever we can to help the UK’s flora and fauna – without them the world would be a very sad and barren place. So, this year we are pulling all the stops out to support Butterfly Conservation.
Butterflies are rapidly disappearing from Britain – something which most of us are completely oblivious to. As Butterfly Conservation’s CEO Martin Warren says: “Butterflies are amongst our most endangered species and together we need to ensure they continue to grace the British landscape.”
Three quarters of our native butterfly species are in decline, with four butterfly and 60 moth species becoming extinct in the last 70 years.
Not only are butterflies beautiful but, because they are so immensely sensitive, they are also an accurate indicator of how healthy the environment is. As so many are dying out, we ought to be very concerned about the situation, particularly as there is lots that all of us can do to make a difference.
We’ve mentioned butterfly and other insect-friendly planting ideas in the blog before, but if you click here you can get more ideas and advice. You can also help by supporting Butterfly Conservation.
We are running a butterfly friendly competition this summer. Send us photos of the lovely hedgerows where you live – it doesn’t matter if it is town or country, if possible capturing the wildlife that lives there, and for each valid entry we will donate £1 to Butterfly Conservation plus you will receive free membership of the charity.
A panel of independent judges will study all the pictures sent to us and the one they like the best will win its owner £100 John Lewis shopping vouchers and a framed version of their print. For more information, keep an eye open for our special bottles of elderflower cordial decorated with a lovely butterfly label.
Photograph courtesy of Butterfly Conservation/Matt Berry