Wildlife

Butterfly Conservation and Welfare

UK butterfly populations have declined by 80% in some species over recent decades, with individual butterfly welfare affected by habitat loss and climate change.

Key Facts

57 species of butterfly are found in the UK including 21 that breed only in England
Species including high brown fritillary and Duke of Burgundy are critically threatened
Butterflies require specific plant communities for larval food plants and adult nectar
Climate change is shifting species ranges northwards but often faster than habitat recovery
Agri-environment schemes fund conservation management for threatened species

Welfare Considerations

Individual butterfly welfare is affected by their ability to find appropriate food plants, mates, and overwintering sites. Habitat fragmentation that isolates populations prevents the range shifts needed to respond to climate change. Maintaining connected networks of appropriate habitat allows natural movement and population viability. Conserving threatened butterfly species protects the welfare of future populations from extinction.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers and allow lawn areas to grow for butterflies
Support butterfly conservation charities including Butterfly Conservation UK
Participate in Butterfly Monitoring Scheme surveys
Advocate for agri-environment scheme funding for threatened butterfly habitat
Learn to identify local butterfly species and the habitat they need