Malcolm Hull from The Herts & Middlesex Butterfly Conservation Branch has shared with us what is happening to butterflies and what actions they have been doing around the District and beyond to help conserve these important creatures…
‘The numbers of butterflies and other insects are declining. 2024 was particularly bad with a 50% drop in numbers and a Butterfly Emergency was declared.
We monitor the health of butterfly populations across the country. Everyone can help with this by joining in with the Big Butterfly Count, which this year is running from 18th July to 10th August. Take just 15 minutes to count and record the butterflies you see in your garden, or other green space.
Our Herts & Middx Branch is active in and around St Albans. Did you know there are 33 different species which can be seen in the district, though sadly ten more have already died out. Our main concern in the district is that the Small Tortoiseshell has virtually disappeared.
In recent years St Albans Council have created around 40 new wildflower meadows and low mow plots around the city to encourage pollinators. Our local volunteers have been recording how butterfly numbers are responding. Last year butterfly numbers on the plots left unmown for more than a year were 75% up – very positive compared to the general national 50% decline.
We don’t just collect data but use it to advise landowners and managers how they can encourage more butterflies and moths onto their sites. Key considerations are caterpillar foodplants. Long grass throughout the summer and sunny nettle patches are both important. Many butterfly species are dependent on just a single plant species. Good nectar sources, simple native flowers, often wild or cottage garden varieties
We are concerned and do take action to target specific rare species. Round here the Small Blue, seen at Heartwood and a few other local sites, is most important. We worked with St Stephen PC and the Heritage Lottery to construct new habitat in Greenwood Park, which we are maintaining.
Malcolm Hull 21/04/2025
Useful Links
Butterfly Conservation Home page | Butterfly Conservation
Big Butterfly Count Big Butterfly Count
Herts & Middx Branch Home – Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation
Greenwood Park SmallBlue GreenwoodPark_Apr20.pdf