I’m a nature expert – my £1.59 B&Q buy will bring butterflies to your outside space

SOME worrying news was released this week – very low numbers of butterflies have been spotted so far in the annual Big Butterfly Count.

People taking part are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year – and it’s the lowest number recorded in 14 years, the Butterfly Conservation charity has said.

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Butterflies like bright purple colours[/caption]

It’s not just the weather that is a problem, with 80 percent  of butterfly species declining in the UK since the 1970s, mainly due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.

Dr Dan Hoare, director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservation, said: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen.

“Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble we know the wider environment is in trouble too.”

To make your garden more Butterfly friendly, Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife, recommends adding irresistible nectar-rich plants – like Nasturtium, Buddleia, French Marigold, Lavender, Verbena and Marjoram.

B&Q are selling nasturtium seeds for £1.49 at the moment. Or you can get three plug plants for £8.99.

Sean said: “ If in doubt, remember that butterflies are naturally drawn to certain colours. Go for bright purples, pinks, reds and oranges for the best chance of catching their eye.

“These sugar-fiends also love to feast on fruit, so if you have a fruit tree with fallen plums, apples, or pears, why not leave them for butterflies to enjoy?”

He also recommended banning pesticides, and encouraging ‘mud puddling’ – the mix of soil and water provides butterflies with essential nutrients and minerals that they can’t get from plants.

Simply mix some soil with water in a shallow dish, place it in a spot that gets a good mix of direct sunlight and shade, and keep it topped up with water.

And Sean also reckons creating sunny spots and corner as Butterlies love the warmth.

The RHS say that planting caterpillar-friendly plants like holly, ivy, elm hop and willows – will also help the butterflies to breed in gardens.

Nasturtiums are a great addition to any outside space – and not just because the butterflies and caterpillars love them.

Peaking right around now – you can start collecting their seeds for next year’s sowing. They’re full of surprises –  not only do they thrive on rubbish soil, you can eat the flowers, leaves and seeds.

The petals are especially good added to salads. AND they make fabulous companion plants when growing veg.

Caterpillars of small and large white butterflies feed on the leaves instead of brassicas – and they attract blackfly – freeing up your broad and runner beans.

They do need at least six hours sunshine a day – and look great spilling over the edge of pots.

Although the trad reds, yellow and orange are great – keep an eye out for ‘Black Velvet,’ ‘Cherry Rose Jewel’ and ‘Gleam Salmon’ to shake things up a bit.

The Big Butterfly Count ends tomorrow (August 4). To take part download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org