How you can help butterflies in your garden

Species in decline: How to help butterflies in your garden 

Green-fingered Britons are being advised about what butterflies actually need in the garden in order to thrive this spring and summer.

Ecologists at Arbtech are urging Brits to act now in order to help butterfly species to live longer and better lives, as certain species are suffering declines linked to climate breakdown.

This advice comes after a survey by the experts revealed 32% of people don’t take any action to support or protect local wildlife.

Some butterflies are active through every season, but the warmer summer months are when most people will start spotting them in gardens.

Each butterfly species has different habitat requirements, and while some are happy to feed on several plants, others have much more specific requirements.

The experts say planning ahead and making small changes to gardens now could make all the difference in helping butterflies to thrive in gardens when the weather warms up.

A spokesperson from Arbtech said: “A lot of people talk about wildlife gardening and planting for butterflies, but really understanding what they need in order to survive through the breeding season is a crucial way that we can all support our butterflies.

“Habitat loss is the main factor of decline in butterfly species, so conservation is really important here.

“Something as simple as planting food plants like wildflowers, milkweeds and nettles can really help butterflies to find sources of food, shelter and nectar. Host-plants like milkweed and nettles are also crucial for certain species and can help prevent shrinking populations.”

Here are ways you can help butterflies, from Arbtech: 

1. Food plants 

Larval food plants such as nettles, holly, ivy, dark mullein and brassica are great for butterflies. Plant large groups of larval plants together in order to make the most impact. Peacock butterfly caterpillars only survive on stinging nettles, so planting a small patch of them in your garden can really help them to survive to breeding season. In an open area with low soil fertility,, grow grasses, wildflowers and meadow mixes to attract egg-laying female butterflies. Monarch butterflies will only eat milkweeks, so they are an essential part of conservation for the declining species. Common milkweed, swamp milkweed and whorled milkweed can all be planted to help Monarchs.

2. Sheltered conditions

Butterflies rely on shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions, keep hidden from predators and provide a warm place to rest. Providing sheltered areas in your garden is crucial for butterflies in both their adult and caterpillar stage, allowing them to survive through the breeding season and reproduce successfully. Help provide areas of shade by planting native species like buckthorn, hawthorn and blackthorn.

3. Prevent damage to habitats 

Habitat loss is one of the main factors of butterfly species decline. Land management techniques such as the intensification of forestry and farming can have an impact. Homeowners can help by looking after their gardens in order to provide the most care for butterfly habitats. Butterflies may already be thriving in your garden, so keeping their habitats safe is a really important way to support conservation. Make sure to only use peat-free compost, avoid cutting back shady areas and when you must cut back flowers, delay for as long as possible until the colder months. You should also avoid using pesticides to avoid damaging butterfly habitats.