People in Wales with gardens have received a unique plea to help butterflies thrive by abstaining from mowing their lawns until September. The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, managed by a collaboration of conservation organisations, has disclosed that over half of the butterfly species in the UK are facing a long-term decline due to factors such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change. The year 2024 was designated as one of the most challenging periods on record for butterflies in the UK, with species such as the small tortoiseshell, chalk hill blue, and small copper enduring their worst year ever. Richard Fox, representing Butterfly Conservation, expressed deep concern over the decline of British butterflies, attributing it to human intervention. Monitoring results from the past year revealed that it was the fifth toughest year for butterflies since records began, witnessing 51 out of 59 butterfly species diminishing compared to 2023, while only six showed an increase. Among garden, park, and countryside-dwelling common butterflies like the common blue, gatekeeper, and large whites, it was the second most challenging year on record, with nine species encountering their worst year since monitoring commenced. Dr. Fox indicated that the conservation charity was inundated with inquiries last summer about the disappearance of butterflies and ways to aid them. He emphasized the significance of augmenting habitat for butterflies and referenced research findings showing that allowing a portion of the garden to grow wild with long grass can substantially boost butterfly populations, particularly in gardens and areas of intensive agriculture. He therefore implored people and local councils throughout the UK to refrain from mowing their lawns between April and September, as this simple act can have an immediate positive impact on butterflies, moths, and other wildlife. Dr. Marc Botham, a butterfly ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), underscored the importance of monitoring and documenting wildlife to target conservation efforts effectively and safeguard precious species. Botham stressed that butterflies are not only intrinsically valuable but also serve as indicator species, offering insights into the overall environmental health. Hence, the data from the UKBMS plays a crucial role in evaluating the well-being of the countryside and the natural world at large. The message to postpone lawn mowing until September comes as a direct response to the plea to support butterfly populations by preserving habitats and creating conducive environments for these delicate creatures. By spreading awareness and encouraging small but impactful actions like letting the grass grow, individuals can contribute to the conservation of butterflies and the wider ecosystem. The collaborative efforts advised by experts and conservationists aim to address the decline in butterfly populations and underscore the significance of community participation in safeguarding biodiversity. The article sheds light on the interconnectedness of human actions with the natural world and emphasizes the role individuals play in fostering a harmonious relationship with wildlife.
