Wildlife

UK Small Copper Butterfly and Meadow Conservation

Conservation of small copper butterflies in UK meadows and grasslands and their management needs.

Key Facts

Small coppers have declined significantly due to loss of wildflower-rich meadows
Common sorrel and sheep's sorrel are the primary larval food plants
Adults are fiercely territorial despite their small size
Multiple broods are produced from April to October in warm years
Conservation of unimproved grassland with sorrel supports small copper populations

Welfare Considerations

Individual small copper larvae depend on common sorrel in unimproved grassland, with meadow conservation and restoration delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support meadow conservation through the Plantlife and Wildlife Trust meadow schemes
Grow common sorrel in garden wildflower areas
Advocate for unimproved grassland protection in planning and farm support policy