Urgent Call from Charity: Preserve Nature Immediately to Avoid Extinction of Butterflies

In a worrying development for the UK's natural world, the charity Butterfly Conservation has declared a "butterfly emergency" due to a significant decline in butterfly numbers. The decline, highlighted in this year's Big Butterfly Count, has seen a decrease of over 600,000 butterflies and day-flying moths compared to last year.

The Big Butterfly Count, the world's largest butterfly survey, helps scientists track butterfly numbers and the state of nature in the UK. This year, participants saw an average of just seven butterflies per 15-minute count, a reduction of almost 50% compared to last year. Shockingly, 9,000 counts in the Big Butterfly Count saw zero butterflies, the highest number in its history.

The open letter from Butterfly Conservation to Defra Secretary Steve Reed highlights the critical state of the UK's butterfly population. The letter stresses that the decline in butterfly numbers is not a one-off occurrence, but a long-term trend, with 80% of butterflies in the UK having declined since the 1970s.

Habitat degradation, climate breakdown, pesticide use, and the use of neonicotinoids have been identified as factors contributing to the decline in butterfly numbers. Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, has described the results as 'disturbing'. He emphasizes the need for immediate action to address these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.

Butterflies, like orchids, bluebells, and oaks, are considered key indicator species, suggesting that the wider environment is also in trouble. The letter calls for a departure from policies that have led to the current state of nature, and a commitment to restore it.

While several European countries, including Germany, have implemented bans or severe restrictions on neonicotinoids like Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam, the use of these pesticides continues to be a contentious issue in the UK. Butterfly Conservation has called for a ban on the use of neonicotinoids, a pesticide toxic to butterflies and bees. However, Labour has only promised to ban exemptions for the use of neonicotinoids, but has not specified a timeline for implementation.

James Fisher, the Digital Commissioning Editor of the platform, writes about motoring, travel, and things that upset him. He lives in London and can be contacted by email.

Britain is home to 763 different types of moss, strikingly beautiful additions to the country's natural landscape. As the UK grapples with the declining butterfly population, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural world for future generations.

Urgent Call from Charity: Preserve Nature Immediately to Avoid Extinction of Butterflies