"As UK butterfly populations face a severe decline, the historic market town of Gillingham has stepped forward as the first local authority to commit to a nationwide challenge aimed at reversing the trend. The Butterfly Conservation charity has issued the call to action, urging councils across the country to help protect the vital winged insects."
"Gillingham's pledge encompasses five steps: improving and creating habitats for butterflies and moths, ending the use of pollinator-killing pesticides, ensuring access to green spaces within a 15-minute walk, and seriously addressing light pollution. These measures are part of a broader biodiversity plan to safeguard nature."
"Data released last year revealed 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies, with 31 of the 59 resident UK species now in long-term decline. The small tortoiseshell, a familiar sight in British gardens, has seen its numbers plummet by 86 per cent."
UK butterfly populations face severe decline, with 2024 marking one of the worst years on record. Thirty-one of fifty-nine resident UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline, including the small tortoiseshell which has experienced an 86 percent population decrease. Gillingham has become the first local authority to commit to Butterfly Conservation's nationwide challenge. The town's pledge includes five key steps: improving and creating habitats for butterflies and moths, eliminating pollinator-killing pesticides, ensuring green space access within fifteen-minute walks, and addressing light pollution. These measures form part of a broader biodiversity plan to protect nature and reverse the alarming trend affecting UK butterfly populations.
#butterfly-conservation #biodiversity-protection #uk-environmental-policy #habitat-restoration #wildlife-decline
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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