Wildlife

UK Black Hairstreak Butterfly and Blackthorn

Conservation of the black hairstreak butterfly in UK scrub and woodland edge habitats.

Key Facts

Black hairstreaks are confined to a small area of the East Midlands in England
They breed in mature blackthorn thickets along woodland rides and edges
Adults feed on honeydew and wild privet nectar
UK population is small and highly vulnerable to habitat management changes
Butterfly Conservation and local Wildlife Trusts monitor and protect known sites

Welfare Considerations

Individual black hairstreak larvae depend on mature blackthorn in carefully managed woodland edge habitat, making site protection and management a direct welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support Butterfly Conservation black hairstreak monitoring in the East Midlands
Advocate for protection of known black hairstreak sites from development
Leave mature blackthorn thickets undisturbed at woodland edges