Wildlife

UK Marbled White Butterfly and Chalk Grassland

Conservation of the marbled white butterfly in UK chalk grassland and limestone meadows.

Key Facts

Marbled whites are distinctive black and white butterflies of unimproved grassland
UK populations are concentrated on chalk downland and limestone grassland in southern England
Larvae feed on red fescue and other fine grasses in short turf
Populations are expanding northward as climate warms in England
Rough grassland with tall grass margins provides important overwintering habitat

Welfare Considerations

Individual marbled white larvae depend on fine grasses in unimproved chalk grassland, with conservation grazing practices directly influencing larval survival and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support chalk grassland conservation through the BBOWT and Wildlife Trusts
Visit chalk downland nature reserves in July to see marbled whites
Advocate for unimproved grassland protection in planning and agricultural policy