Help us make space for nature!
Since 1945 the UK has lost 98% of its meadows. This habitat loss along with climate change means that our butterflies and moths are in severe decline.
But... it doesn’t have to be this way. We are embarking on a campaign to transform the UK into a butterfly and moth-friendly haven and we need you to help.
What are Wild Spaces?
A Wild Space is one where butterflies and moths can complete their lifecycles. The area needs to enable them to feed, breed and shelter. There is no defined size, so long as the requirements are met - it is a Wild Space.
A Wild Space should be free from pesticides. Where compost is used in a Wild Space, it should be peat free. Wild Spaces should be permanent - our goal is about making lasting change.
Some example locations where Wild Spaces can be classified are as follows. This is not a comprehensive list, but just enough to get you thinking about where you can create a Wild Space!
Patio / Balcony Pots
Don’t underestimate them! A few choice plants in a pot, tub or window box can provide the perfect place to refuel and take refuge in built-up areas. See our advice on urban gardening.
Garden
Transform a garden (private, shared, community etc.) into a wild space for butterflies and moths thrive and for all the enjoy.
Community Woodland
Woodlands support a range of specialist species like the White Admiral and Green Silver-lines moth. Learn about managing woodland habitats.
School Grounds
Wild Spaces can be an excellent outdoor classroom used to inspire the next generation of conservationists and nature-lovers.
Village Greens
It doesn’t take a village to create a haven for wildlife, but it certainly helps! Brighten up your village green with pollinator-friendly plants.
Street / Verges
Like us, butterflies and moths need to travel too. Roadside verges and streets can make fantastic wildlife corridors as well as refuge areas.
Allotment Plots
Leave some space between the pumpkins and carrots for butterflies and moths. Be kind to the environment by going pesticide and peat free.
A Unique Wild Space
Create a Wild Space in your own style, size and location to suit what you have available. Small or large, it all helps!
Garden Butterfly Survey
Butterflies are some of our most beautiful garden visitors and they also have important roles to play in plant pollination and the food chain.
Butterflies are highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and we know many species are declining rapidly.
By counting and identifying the butterflies that visit your survey garden throughout the year, you are sharing essential data that help us understand how they are faring in gardens across the UK.
Importantly, your Garden Butterfly Survey sightings and information about the garden you are surveying will enable us to provide better, evidence-based advice on how to manage gardens to benefit butterflies throughout their life-cycle from egg to adult.
Do your part and get involved with Garden Butterfly Survey!
Take action today
You don't need a garden to make more room for nature. Whether you live in a city block with a balcony, or a house with a patio, you can help make a difference.