Wildlife Welfare

UK Moth Decline Habitat Solutions

UK moth populations have declined by 40% since 1970 due to habitat loss, pesticides, and light pollution, with consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Key Facts

Moths provide essential ecosystem services as pollinators and prey for bats and birds
Common moths such as garden tiger and cinnabar are now nationally scarce
Light pollution disrupts moth navigation, reproduction, and feeding behaviour
Native wildflower meadows and hedgerows are critical moth habitats
Moth-friendly gardening using native plants and reducing lighting significantly helps

Welfare Considerations

Moth decline represents a welfare concern for billions of invertebrates and a loss of ecological function that affects broader wildlife welfare across food webs.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers and shrubs in your garden for moth caterpillars
Switch outdoor lights to motion-sensor or amber LEDs to reduce light pollution
Join a moth monitoring scheme to contribute to population data