Three endangered butterflies, the Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Small Heath, have become established at Brookhurst Wood near Horsham in West Sussex, a former landfill site transformed into a nature reserve. These species, listed as vulnerable on the UK Butterfly Red List, face high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change.
Decline and recovery
Since the 1970s, 80% of the UK's butterflies have been in decline. However, a programme to create more than 14 hectares of wildflower-rich grassland at Brookhurst Wood, part of a long-term commitment by waste contractor Biffa to restore the former landfill site, is now showing results.
Closed as a landfill in 2018, the site now hosts 26 butterfly species, including Common Blue, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large Green Hairstreaks, Small Coppers, Peacocks, Red Admirals, and migratory visitors such as Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady.
Partnership and conservation
David Bridges, a Butterfly Conservation local volunteer working with Biffa, said: "Butterflies are great indicators of the health of our environment. The sensitive restoration of landfill sites such as the Brookhurst Wood site is providing perfect conditions in which they can thrive. It has been wonderful to see butterflies including the rare Grizzled Skipper flourishing here, thanks to Biffa's great work, in partnership with Butterfly Conservation, restoring this former landfill site to benefit nature."
The news coincides with the annual Big Butterfly Count organised by Butterfly Conservation, running until August 9, encouraging people to spend 15 minutes a day counting butterflies. Butterfly Conservation says hot weather means a bumper summer for butterflies.
Broader wildlife benefits
Brookhurst Wood also attracts rare or declining birds such as Nightingales, Skylarks and Linnets – all on the UK Red List – as well as Kestrels and Red Kites sighted daily.
Biffa is using restored landfill sites to offer developers Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units, a legal requirement in England mandating a minimum 10% measurable increase in biodiversity to offset development impacts. These sites are not open to the public.
Duncan Wright, Biffa’s Landfill General Manager, said: “It’s been an absolute joy watching Brookhurst Wood transform from a working landfill site into a safe sanctuary for rare butterflies and birds. Launching our BNG units is a major moment for Biffa and a great opportunity for developers who want high-quality nature solutions. Our restored landfill sites have been shaped over many years to support thriving habitats.”
