David Attenborough has urged gardeners to think twice before removing nettles from their gardens this summer, as the plants provide vital sanctuary for butterflies. The 100-year-old broadcaster and natural historian, who serves as president of Butterfly Conservation, recommends cultivating nettles in sunny areas to support declining butterfly populations.
Why Nettles Are Beneficial for Wildlife
Nettles serve as an important food source for several butterfly species, particularly during their larval and breeding phases. According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the stinging hairs of nettle leaves offer protection for invertebrates such as caterpillars, ladybirds, and aphids, shielding them from predators. These insects, in turn, attract amphibians, hedgehogs, and woodland birds.
Attenborough previously told The Telegraph that gardeners should 'cultivate nettles' to help butterflies. However, the location of the nettle patch is critical: sunny spots are where eggs stand the greatest chance of being laid.
Butterfly Populations in Decline
Data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme reveals that 33 of the nation's 59 butterfly species have declined since 1976, according to a BBC report published earlier this year. Climate change and pollution are significant threats, particularly affecting rarer species. The pearl-bordered fritillary and the white-letter hairstreak have experienced some of the most dramatic reductions, while the red admiral is thriving due to warmer temperatures.
Attenborough has long advocated for creating habitats in gardens and window boxes through nectar-rich flowers. Encouraging nettle growth is another simple way to provide a haven for butterflies amid their global population decline.
