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Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Butterfly count emergency call to Scots
A butterfly charity has launched a 'nationwide rescue mission' to save the colourful insects – amid a 'deeply concerning decline' in their numbers. Butterfly Conservation has urged thousands of Scots to take part in its annual Big Butterfly Count, which runs until 10 August. The charity declared a 'Butterfly Emergency' after last summer's citizen science survey returned the lowest numbers on record. Its experts said the result was 'an urgent SOS' from butterflies as they continue to struggle against a backdrop of habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use. They warned that species are in danger of disappearing in Scotland without urgent action. The world's largest annual butterfly count asks members of the public to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space counting and recording the butterflies and day-flying moths they see. The results are used to help map how the insects are faring and where new conservation efforts should be targeted. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation said: 'This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come. 'Butterflies are beautiful, yes, but they're also incredibly important bioindicators. This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it's too late. 'If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. 'Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it's something everybody can do. 'If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer. Every count really does make a difference.' He added: 'People in Scotland might be seeing more butterflies this year compared to the dreadful numbers last year, but that doesn't mean all is well. It doesn't reverse the butterfly emergency — we've got 50 years of long term decline of butterflies.' Last year, there were 22,818 butterflies spotted in total during the Big Butterfly Count in Scotland, down more than 5000 or almost 20% compared with 2023. Only five butterflies were seen per count on average in Scotland, which was the lowest since the count started in 2010. The Ringlet was the most abundant butterfly north of the Border, ahead of the Small White and Meadow Brown. However, of the 17 butterflies and day flying moths in the count, 12 showed a reduction in numbers. The Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Scotch Argus all had their worst year in the survey's history. The Green-veined White had its second worst year, while the Holly Blue, which had its best ever summer in Scotland in 2023, was down by 42%. Peacock butterfly numbers fell a staggering 94%. Butterfly Conservation said the delicate insects respond quickly to environmental change, making their decline 'a powerful warning sign of a planet in peril'. The charity is calling on thousands of 'everyday heroes' from school kids to grandparents, dog walkers, hikers and even office workers on their lunch break, to take part in this year's count. Dr Fox said: 'Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.' Like this: Like Related


The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Lidl's £1.99 plant bundle that flowers all summer is ‘incredible deal' says Gardening Pro & butterflies love it
THERE'S trouble in paradise. Recent They're a 'key indicator' species, according to Dr Richard Fox, head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. 3 The 'Small Tortoiseshell' is declining in numbers, keep an eye out Credit: Supplied 3 This 'Small White' is also known as the 'Cabbage White' in the UK Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 3 The Red Admiral arrives in the UK from North Africa and Continental Europe in Spring Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 'When they are in trouble, we know that the wider environment is in trouble too' he told Sun Gardening. 'Last year, nature sounded the alarm call and we were able to respond, securing a complete ban from the Government on particularly toxic neonicotinoid pesticides on crops in 2025,' he said. 'Now we are calling on people across the UK to get involved once again, to enjoy 15 minutes out spotting and counting Read More Gardening In last year's worrying count, participants spotted just seven butterflies on average per count - a reduction of almost 50 per cent on the previous year and the lowest in the count's history. It was also the worst summer for a number of popular species including Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue. This year - all you need to do is to find a spot on a hot sunny day - between now and August 10. And then sit for 15 minutes and count how many butterflies you see - identifying them as you go, using their ID chart. Most read in Fabulous You can download the chart and print it out for free If you want to take it further - how about creating a butterfly- friendly garden? You have 20/20 vision if you can spot the hidden butterfly in five seconds – before the camera zooms in Plants like In later summer, plants like Dahlia's, sedums, nepeta and hebes also attract our fluttering friends. And even bedding plants like Plus they can bloom all summer - and maybe into autumn if it doesn't get too cold. In an incredible deal, Avoid pesticides - they harm beneficial insects like Even 'pollinator-friendly' products can contain pesticides, which are toxic to insects. Organic methods such as companion planting are a great alternative - like planting basil near tomatoes to repel aphids, or using nasturtiums to attract beneficial insects and deter pests. And finally, consider letting some of your lawn grow wild. Long grass allows some species of butterflies and moths to complete their life cycle by providing a place to lay eggs and food for caterpillars. It can also allow nectar-rich plants like clover, bluebells, and dandelions to bloom. Also in Veronica's Column this week... News, top tips and competition to win 'In Conversation at Kew' tickets TOP TIP! If your balcony gets plenty of sunlight six hours a day, plant up tomatoes, peppers, basil, rosemary, and thyme, marigolds, bellis, petunias, pansies or fuchsias. For shady spaces, use ferns, ivy, begonias, or even some types of lettuce and salad leaves. Check how much weight your balcony can handle. Lightweight pots made from plastic or fibreglass are easy to move and won't overload your balcony. Windy conditions can dry out plants quickly and even knock over pots, so use ones with heavy bottoms and secure with plant ties or stakes. Pick sturdy, wind resistant plants like succulents, rosemary, lavender, ornamental grasses, hardy flowering plants like geraniums and marigolds, and coastal or alpine species adapted to exposed conditions. NEWS! ROSE of the Year 2026 has been announced - and it's a shrub rose called 'Coral Gardens.' Awarded by It's aim is to discover - over a two year trial - the best roses in any given year, This year's winner, by breeders WIN! " PLANT OF THE WEEK! Crocosmia Can be a bit of a bully, so stop it from spreading too much - but it offers a real tropical vibe with fiery bright orange or red flowers and lush green leaves. Grows in most soils, sun and partial shade. JOB OF THE WEEK ! Plant foxgloves to flower the following Spring, carrots and radishes, and get young courgette seedlings in to harvest before the first frost! TOP TIP! JULY is peak strawberry harvesting season - but it's also a good month to plant new Once it's got a good root system, you can cut it from the parent and get it into a bigger pot, or straight into the bed. TOP TIP! Hanging baskets are really struggling in this heat. It's advisable to water them every day - sometimes twice, as they dry out so quickly. And have a re-think if everything's dying. Succulents look good hanging over the side of baskets - and don't need as much water. As do ivy-leaf trailing geraniums, English Ivy, million bells - aka Calibrachoa and Lantana. Think about mixing in water-retaining gel crystals as well - which can really boost the moisture levels. I've used


Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Lidl's £1.99 plant bundle that flowers all summer is ‘incredible deal' says Gardening Pro & butterflies love it
Scroll down to win 'In Conversation at Kew' tickets DIG IT! Lidl's £1.99 plant bundle that flowers all summer is 'incredible deal' says Gardening Pro & butterflies love it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE'S trouble in paradise. Recent butterfly numbers in our gardens have been so low that experts are really worried. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up They're a 'key indicator' species, according to Dr Richard Fox, head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. 3 The 'Small Tortoiseshell' is declining in numbers, keep an eye out Credit: Supplied 3 This 'Small White' is also known as the 'Cabbage White' in the UK Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 3 The Red Admiral arrives in the UK from North Africa and Continental Europe in Spring Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 'When they are in trouble, we know that the wider environment is in trouble too' he told Sun Gardening. 'Last year, nature sounded the alarm call and we were able to respond, securing a complete ban from the Government on particularly toxic neonicotinoid pesticides on crops in 2025,' he said. 'Now we are calling on people across the UK to get involved once again, to enjoy 15 minutes out spotting and counting butterflies, and helping us to see how butterflies are faring this year.' In last year's worrying count, participants spotted just seven butterflies on average per count - a reduction of almost 50 per cent on the previous year and the lowest in the count's history. It was also the worst summer for a number of popular species including Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue. This year - all you need to do is to find a spot on a hot sunny day - between now and August 10. And then sit for 15 minutes and count how many butterflies you see - identifying them as you go, using their ID chart. You can download the chart and print it out for free HERE - and there' s a free app to help you identify and record the butterflies you spot. If you want to take it further - how about creating a butterfly- friendly garden? You have 20/20 vision if you can spot the hidden butterfly in five seconds – before the camera zooms in Plants like buddleia, verbena, lavender, and marjoram provide nectar throughout the butterfly season. In later summer, plants like Dahlia's, sedums, nepeta and hebes also attract our fluttering friends. And even bedding plants like pansies have their uses. They might not be as popular with the butterflies as buddleia, but they still produce nectar, and are easy to grow. Plus they can bloom all summer - and maybe into autumn if it doesn't get too cold. In an incredible deal, Lidl currently has a pack of ten for just £1.99 - so each plant is only 19p. Avoid pesticides - they harm beneficial insects like bees, ladybirds, and butterflies. Even 'pollinator-friendly' products can contain pesticides, which are toxic to insects. Organic methods such as companion planting are a great alternative - like planting basil near tomatoes to repel aphids, or using nasturtiums to attract beneficial insects and deter pests. And finally, consider letting some of your lawn grow wild. Long grass allows some species of butterflies and moths to complete their life cycle by providing a place to lay eggs and food for caterpillars. It can also allow nectar-rich plants like clover, bluebells, and dandelions to bloom. Also in Veronica's Column this week... News, top tips and competition to win 'In Conversation at Kew' tickets TOP TIP! British Garden Centres has just released a checklist on how to make the most of Balcony Gardening. If your balcony gets plenty of sunlight six hours a day, plant up tomatoes, peppers, basil, rosemary, and thyme, marigolds, bellis, petunias, pansies or fuchsias. For shady spaces, use ferns, ivy, begonias, or even some types of lettuce and salad leaves. Check how much weight your balcony can handle. Lightweight pots made from plastic or fibreglass are easy to move and won't overload your balcony. Windy conditions can dry out plants quickly and even knock over pots, so use ones with heavy bottoms and secure with plant ties or stakes. Pick sturdy, wind resistant plants like succulents, rosemary, lavender, ornamental grasses, hardy flowering plants like geraniums and marigolds, and coastal or alpine species adapted to exposed conditions. NEWS! ROSE of the Year 2026 has been announced - and it's a shrub rose called 'Coral Gardens.' Awarded by Roses UK - which promotes British rose breeders and growers - its a competition that's been going since 1982. It's aim is to discover - over a two year trial - the best roses in any given year, This year's winner, by breeders Kordes Rosen - grows up to 80cm tall, has dark coral buds opening out into pink coral flowers - that turn apricot-salmon as they fade. It's described as having a 'delicate fruity fragrance' and also shows 'excellence disease resistance.' WIN! "In Conversations at Kew" is hosting a special Gardeners World Day on September 6 - where host Nicki Chapman will be chatting to Adam Frost and Frances Tophill. We've got two 2 x lunchtime and two afternoon tickets to give away. To enter visit or write to PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. August 2, 2025. T&Cs apply PLANT OF THE WEEK! Crocosmia Can be a bit of a bully, so stop it from spreading too much - but it offers a real tropical vibe with fiery bright orange or red flowers and lush green leaves. Grows in most soils, sun and partial shade. JOB OF THE WEEK! Plant foxgloves to flower the following Spring, carrots and radishes, and get young courgette seedlings in to harvest before the first frost! TOP TIP! JULY is peak strawberry harvesting season - but it's also a good month to plant new strawberry runners. Runners are the long stems sprouting from your current crop, with baby plants at the end that are actively growing, and ideally have small roots coming out of them. Fill small pots with compost, then place the runner with the plantlet on top of the soil in the pot - and pin it down with a bit of bent wire. Keep the compost moist and within weeks you should see new leaves. Once it's got a good root system, you can cut it from the parent and get it into a bigger pot, or straight into the bed. TOP TIP! Hanging baskets are really struggling in this heat. It's advisable to water them every day - sometimes twice, as they dry out so quickly. And have a re-think if everything's dying. Succulents look good hanging over the side of baskets - and don't need as much water. As do ivy-leaf trailing geraniums, English Ivy, million bells - aka Calibrachoa and Lantana. Think about mixing in water-retaining gel crystals as well - which can really boost the moisture levels. I've used Miracle Gro's to great success.