The Monarch is the largest butterfly seen in the British Isles and is also one of our rarest migrants. The famous migrating Monarch butterflies takes four generations to migrate from Canada and Mexico. These butterflies aren’t using memories, or even passed on knowledge of the migration routes to find their way. Each generation must work it out alone with the help of genetics and instinct. One of the greatest natural phenomena in the world!
The 56 butterfly species in Britain and Ireland are under threat today from unprecedented environmental change. Butterflies and moths have been recognised by the Government as indicators of biodiversity. Their fragility makes them quick to react to change so their struggle to survive is a serious warning about our environment.
Butterflies and moths, worms, snails and slugs, spiders, centipedes, beetles, bees and wasps – we can attract them and give them a home in a variety of ways, from simply planting insect-friendly plants and flowers, to building habitats for them to live.