It has been widely reported that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in Europe, and like many, I am deeply upset how this has been allowed to happen so rapidly in my lifetime.
Since the 1970's almost 80% of our butterflies and numerous species of moth have gone into decline as a result of habitat loss, changes in agricultural practice, the overuse of pesticides and herbicides and climate change brought about by human activity. Alarmingly 50% of our butterfly species are now Red Listed.
Since the end of the Second World War we have lost 98% of our wildflower meadows and mile upon mile of native hedgerow.
We have to halt this decline immediately and help nature to recover. It can be done. Nature is resilient and can prosper again if only humanity would realise that we are part of it and not superior to it.
To this end, Butterfly Conservation has launched its Wild Spaces project to make space for nature and to help it recover.
What are Wild Spaces?
A Wild Space is one where butterflies and moths can complete their lifecycles. In other words a space where they feed, breed and shelter.
A Wild Space should be completely organic with NO pesticides or herbicides. Plants sourced should come from nurseries and garden centres that grow them in peat free composts. Wildflower seeds and plants should be sourced from growers as close to home as possible for local provenance.
A Wild Space can be as large as Community Woodlands, School Grounds, Allotments and Village Greens, or as small as Street Verges, Gardens, Patios and Balconies. This really is a project that everyone can embrace and parents and grandparents should encourage children to be as active as possible in this scheme. They are, after all, future custodians of the natural world. I wouldn't be where I am now without the encouragement of my father and grandfather.
Of course, creating or adopting a Wild Space will benefit far more than butterflies and moths. Many other invertebrates, pollinators, birds and mammals will also reap the benefits.....and so will you.
You will encourage more wildlife into your own little patch, you will get to know more about our native plants and you will begin to realise that they are not just weeds, and you will be in touch with the natural world throughout the seasons. Just 20 minutes in the presence of nature has a massive beneficial effect on ones mental well-being, and that has to be good.
To help you set up and register your own Wild Space visit the Butterfly Conservation website using the link below. To quote a leading supermarket chain; Every Little Helps.
https://butterfly-conservation.org/wild-spaces
Best regards,
Richard M. Jeffery
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