The study, carried out by the University of Oxford and national charity Butterfly Conservation, funded by The Woodland Trust, comes at a critical time for butterfly species.
The study, carried out by the University of Oxford and national charity Butterfly Conservation, funded by The Woodland Trust, comes at a critical time for butterfly species. Recent data revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years for butterfly numbers across the UK, with more than half of species in long-term decline for the first time on record. In the new study, the researchers found that having more hedgerows and trees in the landscape increased numbers of butterflies found in the countryside such as Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Comma. Hedgerows, small woodlands and trees were especially important for butterflies in more arable landscapes.
The researchers are now calling for farmers and landowners to get better support to maintain such valuable natural assets on their land.
Lead author Dr Ruth Feber (Department of Biology, University of Oxford) said: ‘We know that butterflies are in desperate trouble, including our common countryside species. Butterflies are important indicators of wider biodiversity, so actions that help butterflies will also help other declining wildlife. With 70% of the UK’s land area being farmland, our farmers and landowners play a vital role in helping these species recover, through protecting and restoring hedgerows and trees.’
Read More: University of Oxford
Speckled Wood butterfly. (Photo Credit: Keith Warmington)
