Habitat management

Whether it's an urban car park or peaceful woodland, many habitats can be managed to attract butterflies and moths.

Each butterfly species has its own habitat requirements. These are determined by the foodplant of the caterpillar, the nectar source for the adult butterfly and the conditions needed for the caterpillar to survive and then pupate successfully. Some butterflies are happy to live and feed on several plants and can breed in a variety of places, including gardens and parks. Others are fussier and have very specific requirements.

Habitat specialist butterflies and moths can disappear rapidly if the environment they rely on changes. Habitat loss is the main cause of the decline of butterflies and moths. Land management techniques such as the intensification of farming and forestry, industrial development of buildings and roads and climate change all have an impact.

Find out about the places butterflies and moths live and the practical measures needed to protect and manage the environment different species rely on.o be beside the seaside, on the shoreline with sea or among the coastal cliffs and dunes.