BUTTERFLY numbers are dive-bombing, and nature lovers this summer are being urged to help them survive and thrive. Four in five of our native species have declined since the Seventies, and half are now in danger of extinction, warns the charity Butterfly Conservation. Destruction of meadows has meant the loss of food sources and breeding grounds.
But here we tell you ways you and your children can do your bit for the Red Admiral, Painted Lady and other winged wonders . . .
IF you are lucky enough to have a garden with apple, plum or pear trees, you can encourage butterflies by leaving any over-ripe fallen fruit on the ground. Species such as Red Admirals and Painted Ladies will gorge on the sweet juices so it is a great way to attract them . If you don’t have any fruit trees, perhaps make a butterfly feeder instead.
Simply pop some very ripe fruit such as banana or melon on a flat, brightly coloured plate in a sheltered spot – keeping it flat as butterflies taste with their feet – then wait to see who arrives at your fly-thru. JUST like humans with tired legs, butterflies also need to rest their wings, so do try to provide places for them to catch some R&R. You can do this quickly and easily by simply laying out some stones or rocks around any outside space at your home or nearby.
Butterflies can then recuperate and bask in the summer sunshine. This is a great activity for little ones to engage in, so get them involved this summer. The resting points are probably best c.