Help Save Our British Butterflies!

1.31.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Jul 2006

The Blue Adonis can still be found in some parts of the South East

As this year's Butterfly week (22nd - 30th July) got underway, Sharon Bowles Liberal Democrat MEP urged people in the South East to help save the British butterfly. Habitat destruction through intensive farming, development and general neglect is threatening the survival of many of our native species. A survey released in March showed that 7 out of 10 British butterfly species are in decline.

Sharon Bowles said "This was a startling discovery that should act as a wake up call to us all. Butterfly week is to draw attention to the serious extent of their deterioration and to outline what we can do to help protect our British butterflies."

Some farmers in the South East have already started to help by planting, restoring and maintaining traditional hedgerows which provide perfect habitats for butterflies. Sharon Bowles said "This is really good news for our butterflies but there is still a long way to go. We can all do our bit by supporting organisations such as Butterfly Conservation Society who work hard all year round to protect and encourage butterfly numbers in the South East and across the UK. But even the simplest of actions such as taking rubbish home and leaving the countryside as we found it on day trips out can all make a difference."

A further threat is climate change. As temperatures rise, native species are moving northwards to find cooler climates. Sharon said "Climate change is a real and serious threat to British wildlife. EU environment ministers have committed themselves to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010, but without real action it will prove to be a missed opportunity. Only action, not words will make a difference and I think it's about time the UK Government realises this."

Ends.

Details of the work of the Butterfly Conservation Society can be found at http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/index.php