Broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough has issued a warning to gardeners this summer: do not pull up nettles. The 100-year-old conservationist, who serves as president of Butterfly Conservation in the UK, urges people to cultivate nettles in sunny patches to help struggling butterfly species. According to the Telegraph, Attenborough said gardeners should actively grow nettles to provide a haven for butterflies, many of which are in decline.
Why Nettles Are Vital for Wildlife
Nettles may seem like an unpopular plant, but they are crucial for supporting diverse wildlife in gardens. The Scottish Wildlife Trust notes that invertebrates such as caterpillars, ladybirds, and aphids find protection between the stinging hairs of nettle leaves from grazing animals like sheep and cattle. These insects in turn attract amphibians, hedgehogs, and woodland birds. Certain butterfly and moth species rely heavily on nettle patches for larval development and breeding.
For best results, gardeners should keep nettles in a sunny spot rather than a dark corner, as eggs are more likely to be laid in sunlight. Attenborough, known for his documentaries on the natural world, has long advocated for creating habitats in gardens and window boxes by planting nectar-rich flowers. Nettles offer an additional way to support butterflies without extra planting.
Butterfly Populations in Danger
Protecting butterflies and their breeding grounds is increasingly important due to population declines. Data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, reported by the BBC earlier this year, shows that 33 of the country's 59 butterfly species have declined since 1976. Climate change and pollution are major factors, especially for rarer species like the pearl-bordered fritillary and the white-letter hairstreak, which have seen some of the biggest drops. However, some species such as the red admiral are thriving due to warmer temperatures that allow them to survive year-round.
Attenborough's advice comes as a timely reminder that small actions in gardens can make a significant difference to struggling wildlife. By leaving nettles untouched, gardeners can help reverse the trend of butterfly decline and create a richer ecosystem at home.
