PlantforLife challenges Britain’s gardeners to help save four butterfly species on the verge of extinction
PlantforLife and The Butterfly Conservation are teaming up to try and save four of Britain’s butterfly species by launching a public awareness campaign providing simple gardening advice to help keep Britain’s gardens fluttering.
The ‘Making your Garden Flutter’ guide, developed by PlantforLife, is packed full of easy to follow advice including three top gardening tips to help preserve these elegant creatures:
1. Plant nectar rich plants like Cowslip and Bugle which will encourage butterflies in to your garden
2. Plant a variety of flowers which are available from early spring to autumn such as Buddleia davidii “Harlequin” which provide the fuel needed to keep butterflies airbourne
3. Plant shrubs and small trees such as Common Honeysuckle to provide shelter
Chris Collins, celebrity gardener and spokesperson for PlantforLife, comments:
“Butterflies are hugely important for our garden’s eco system, not only do they contribute to a healthy environment by transporting pollen from plant to plant but they also help attract a wide variety of wildlife too.
There is already debate about the decline of butterflies in Britain but, what the ‘Make Your Garden Flutter’ campaign does is offer a simple solution through planting. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener everyone can help. ”
Facing extinction:
Wood White
High Brown Fritillary
Pearl Bordered Fritillary
Duke of Burgundy
Louise Keeling from The Butterfly Conservation comments, “The Butterfly Conservation is keen to ensure the protection of butterflies and their habitats. It is important people are made aware that butterflies really aren’t coming back to the garden each year but in fact are declining at an alarming rate. We need to highlight this decline and encourage people to take simple steps in their garden whether it’s planting or leaving an area to grow wild – everything can help.”
Making Your Garden Flutter can be picked up from participating garden centres and nurseries or downloaded for free from www.plantforlife.info/butterflies
Fancy yourself as a budding photographer?
PlantforLife is offering one lucky person the opportunity to win a family trip to European Butterfly House, Parc Floral de Paris, with two runner’s up winning trips for the family to one of the UK’s fabulous Butterfly Houses. For your chance to win, all you need to do is submit an eye-catching photograph which captures the beauty of butterflies and plants in their natural habitats.
Log on to the Plant for Life photography competition for hints and tips on butterfly photography from Steve Hoskins an award-winning photographer and to find out further information.