Helping rare butterflies take flight again

They’ve been on this earth for at least 50 million years, but sadly butterflies are in decline across the UK.

Scientists believe more than three-quarters of species of these beautiful insects are diminishing in population, with some in danger of disappearing altogether.

The good news is that action is being taken, with conservation projects, surveys to monitor populations, nature reserves and initiatives like No-Mow May all playing their part.

Much of this work is led by the charity Butterfly Conservation, which has this year, for the first time ever, asked Britain to vote for its favourite of the 60 or so butterfly species found in the UK. Leaders as the poll nears its closing date include the Peacock, Orange-tip, Red Admiral and Holly Blue.

Butterflies play a very important role in renaturing projects like ours, helping to pollinate flowers and plants, controlling pests and providing food for other animals, like birds and bats.

This is why at Halnaker Hill Farm, we’re creating specific conditions to help encourage the return of some of the most endangered species.

For example, we’re creating a butterfly bund, which creates a new habitat from scratch. This man-made embankment is created from chalky soil, which is low in nutrients – perfect for plants that thrive when there is little competition from grass, which loves nutrient-rich soil.

Under the guidance of our expert ecologists, we are planting species like wild thyme and horseshoe vetch - perfect for supporting species such as the Dingy Skipper and various species of blue butterfly.

The plants are protected with mesh to stop rabbits and hares pulling them out, giving us the best possible conditions for butterflies to return naturally.

We’re already seeing encouraging signs, with many species including the Green-veined White, Peacock and Brimstone varieties spotted on the farm and featured in our video. We have high hopes that, in time, we’ll see some of the rarer species return. Watch this space!

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