UK Wildlife

UK Moth Conservation and Light Pollution

UK moth populations have declined around 33% since 1968, driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution from street lighting and buildings that disrupts their navigation and breeding.

Key Facts

UK moth biomass has declined significantly affecting their role as prey for bats and birds
Larger moths have declined more severely than smaller species
Light pollution attracts moths to artificial sources, disrupting navigation and reproduction
Pesticide use eliminates caterpillar host plants and reduces prey insects in food webs
Moths are important pollinators of night-flowering plants

Welfare Considerations

Moth welfare and conservation requires reducing light pollution, maintaining native plant host species, and reducing pesticide use. Switching to warmer-toned LEDs and using motion sensors rather than continuous lighting reduces light pollution impacts on moths and other nocturnal wildlife.

What You Can Do

Switch outdoor lights to warmer-toned LEDs and use motion sensors rather than continuous lighting
Plant native trees and plants that support moth caterpillars including oak, hawthorn and nettles
Participate in moth surveys through Butterfly Conservation and BTO to contribute population data