Gardeners are being encouraged to avoid mowing their entire lawns to help support declining butterfly populations.

According to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, last year was among the worst on record for these insects, prompting conservationists to declare a national butterfly crisis.

Experts recommend allowing mixed grass lengths and leaving naturally occurring plants like dandelions to flower, as they provide essential food and shelter.

Robin Griffiths, part of the Wiltshire branch of Butterfly Conservation, said: “When you mow your lawn, don’t mow it all. To mow the lawn completely and regularly through the summer does very little for insects.”

Maurice Avent, vice president of Butterfly Conservation, emphasised that modern farming practices are significantly impacting butterfly numbers.

Mr. Griffiths from the organisation advised gardeners to show restraint from mowing between now and September.

“It’s not just a one year problem, over half of the British species are in long term decline and it’s the first time ever that this has been the case,” he said.

Both rare species and more common garden butterflies are suffering.

“The most desperate of the lot is the small tortoise shell which many people know and love as a garden butterfly,” Mr Griffiths said. “Since the 70s it’s declined by 86%.”

The dramatic decline in species such as the small tortoiseshell has been linked to human activities, pesticide use, and climate change, all of which continue to threaten butterfly habitats.

“In the past, a hay field was a multitude of different species – many species of flower and grass all growing together,” he said.

“Nowadays, in nearly every case, one crop is used to make silage or hay.

“That’s why gardens are so important, because a garden can almost be like a mixed meadow – they’re a very vital area of conservation for butterflies these days.”

 

——————————————————————————

At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.

Donate now and join in the solution!