A flutter of fun this summer: How to create a haven for colourful wings

 There’s nothing more delightful than spotting a butterfly – those spectacularly colourful, intriguing creatures that remind us of childhood. Our fluttery friends not only bring beauty to outdoor spaces, but they also play an essential role in pollination. So, we should do all we can to help the species thrive.

Every year, the Butterfly Conservation Trust runs the Big Butterfly Count – a public survey that aims to monitor populations of native butterflies and day-moths across the UK. This summer, why not make one simple change to your back garden to create a haven for colourful wings and see what you can spot?

To help attract more butterflies to your outdoor space, Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife, shares some tops tips…

Add irresistible nectar-rich plants

“If there’s one thing butterflies can’t resist, it’s nectar. Adding nectar-rich plants is therefore the easiest way to attract fluttery friends – simple! Varieties such as Buddleia, French Marigold, Lavender, Verbena and Marjoram, are some favourites among butterflies, and your garden will soon become their go-to dining spot. If in doubt, remember that butterflies are naturally drawn to certain colours. Go for bright purples, pinks, reds and oranges for the best chance of catching their eye.

“These sugar-fiends also love to feast on fruit, so if you have a fruit tree with fallen plums, apples, or pears, why not leave them for butterflies to enjoy? Converting sugary nectar to energy takes time and effort, so they especially love finding pre-fermented sugar for a sweet snack and quicker hit.”

Say no to pesticides

“Pesticides are the enemy of butterflies and their larvae. While these chemicals might keep pests away, they also harm our fluttery friends. Avoid using them near your flowering plants, or better yet, ditch them altogether. Natural pest control methods are always the best choice for our planet and its creatures. You can also encourage beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybirds to keep unwanted pests at bay. This way, your garden will be a safer place for butterflies, and you’ll be contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Everyone’s a winner!”

Encourage “mud-puddling”

“Just like all creatures, butterflies need water to survive. While they get most of their moisture from nectar, butterflies also enjoy finding muddy patches of ground to ‘puddle’ - the mix of soil and water provides butterflies with essential nutrients and minerals that they can’t get from plants. Puddling is also a vital part of butterfly behaviour. When they’re not fluttering about, male butterflies often engage in mud-puddling as a way of charming the ladies!

“Creating a puddling spot for butterflies is easy. Simply mix some soil with water in a shallow dish, place it in a spot that gets a good mix of direct sunlight and shade, and keep it topped up with water. If you want a more straightforward solution, consider adding a Universal Wildlife Water Drinker - perfect for all garden wildlife.”

Create sunny spots and cosy corners

“Butterflies are sun-worshippers - they need warmth to fly since they are cold-blooded creatures. Make sure your garden has sunny spots where butterflies can bask and soak up the heat. Remember, a warm butterfly is a happy butterfly!

“Equally, butterflies also need shelter from the wind and rain – more important than ever with our ever-changing climate. Dense foliage, trees and hedges make excellent hiding spots. You can also make your garden even more appealing by adding a butterfly barn which is designed to mimic tree bark and makes for an ideal place to rest.”

Ready, set, spot!

“When it comes to spotting butterflies, patience is key. Take some time out of your busy week to observe quietly in your garden, especially on sunny days when they are most active. Look out for their distinctive flight patterns and bright colours fluttering among the flowers. Make a note of the types you see and add your findings to the Big Butterfly Count’s website - every input provides valuable information for the conservation of these charming creatures!”

Ends

Editors notes

Ark Wildlife is a UK-based company specialising in wildlife-friendly products and solutions. They are known for providing a wide range of products designed to support and encourage wildlife in gardens and outdoor spaces, while inspiring its customers to make one small, simple step to help nature thrive.

Ark Wildlife offers a wide array of bird feeders, bird foods, and bird care accessories to attract and nourish birds such as robins, blue tits, sparrows, and other garden birds. They also provide habitats for hedgehogs, bats, and insects, aiming to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in domestic environments.

The business was founded by wildlife enthusiast Sean McMenemy, an expert with an unparalleled understanding of garden wildlife which dates back to a passion developed during his childhood. He is regarded as a leading authority on garden wildlife and has personally driven more innovation, quality and convenience to the bird food and wildlife market than anyone else.