Thursday 11 August 2011

Butterflies

Research by Butterfly Conservation shows over a third of our British butterfly species are threatened with extinction.   Loss of habitat following intensification of farming in the countryside over the pass 40 years and a succession of damagingly wet summers have contributed to their decline.

This year I have seen far less butterflies than in recent years.   I intend to extend my butterfly borders during the autumn.   I will also make more spaces for hibernation.

My garden would be less without these beautiful creatures........  

12 comments:

Carole Barkett said...

beautiful colors, love it

Lisa at Greenbow said...

What a surprise to find you here Cheryl. I know the butterflies in your region will benefit by your hard work.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cheryl..such a beautiful photo...
I hope you were far away from the troubles...
Loves to you and yours.....
I send my loves to Michelle Poppy and Riley too TFS:) xxx

sylvï said...

last night i had a dream about butterflies with blue wings. strange but good to hear from you and your plans the very next day. we have lots of oregano growing wild on the property and it's a big hit with the butterflies as well as all kinds of bees.

Wendy said...

What a pretty pic. I hope the butterflies continue to multiply and the decline is just temporary.
Perhaps with posts like yours, people will take notice and plant more butterfly-fly friendly plants.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Wonderful photograph and commitment....
I garden for the bugs....with so much loss of habitat I think I must do what I can.
I support you...it is becoming critical
for our butterflies.
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa,

I shall try and use this blog more. I hope I will keep it as a wildlife journal, purely so that I can look back and check on what was happening at certain times.

Cheryl said...

Sylvi,

Oregano is a wonderful herbs for bees and butterflies. I grow it purely for them.....

How strange about your dream.
Butterflies, the thai people say, bring messages to the receiver.

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy,

I do hope so. I am so concerned about the butterflies.
I am trying to be positive. If everyone did plant for butterflies, wouldn't that be wonderful :)

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry,

Tku, your support means the world to me.
I know that you will understand my concerns.
I have seen too many changes the last two summers. I know it will take time, but I will plant more flowers, also make new habitats for overwintering (although I do have quite a few already)

grammie g said...

Hi Cheryl...this is nice..your butterfly is a lovely one perched there on the flowers...I have not seen that one posted from your side by anyone that I follow yet!!
Grace

KidsPartyFavors said...

It's really amazing to see god's wonderful creations, this butterfly is one of them. Lovely!