How to Save Britain's 'Charming' Gatekeeper Butterflies: Six Simple Steps
Conservation efforts often demand significant labour, but when it comes to aiding Britain's gatekeeper butterflies, the process can be surprisingly straightforward. These small orange and brown insects, described by naturalist Matthew Oates as "charming" and "polite," are a familiar sight in suburban and urban areas, often found near garden gates or at shrub bases. Unlike many territorial butterflies, gatekeeper males exhibit gentlemanly behaviour, making them a delightful addition to any garden. However, their population has declined by 38% since 1976, prompting urgent calls for public assistance.
Why Gatekeeper Butterflies Need Our Help
While not the most endangered species—the small tortoiseshell, for instance, has seen an 82% drop—gatekeepers face significant threats. Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, notes that the reasons for their decline remain unclear, though climate change is unlikely to be the primary cause in the UK. Instead, factors such as changing plant communities due to increased soil nitrogen and pesticide use may be contributing. These butterflies thrive in warmer conditions and can tolerate a wide temperature range, but habitat loss and environmental changes are taking a toll.
Six Ways to Support Gatekeeper Butterflies
1. Don't Cut All Your Grass
Long grass is essential for butterfly survival, particularly for caterpillars that feed on grasses. Fox emphasises that while flowers attract adult butterflies, it's the caterpillars that need protection. Gatekeeper caterpillars rely on pockets of mixed grasses in scrub edges or hedge margins. Simply avoiding mowing under shrubs or lifting the mower blade can preserve these habitats. Initiatives like No Mow May are beneficial, but Fox warns against mowing in early June when caterpillars and eggs are abundant. Maintaining long grass not only aids gatekeepers but also supports a greater variety of butterflies throughout the year.
2. Provide a Fuelling Station
Even small spaces like window boxes or balconies can serve as "motorway service stations" for butterflies. Planting nectar-rich flowers such as buddleia, verbena, and lavender is helpful, but gatekeepers particularly adore flowering herbs like oregano and thyme. Positioning these in warm, sheltered spots encourages feeding. To ensure a continuous food supply, plant strategically so that flowers bloom from spring through autumn, as recommended by Butterfly Conservation's seasonal plant lists.
3. Advocate for Public Green Spaces
Promoting the benefits of long grass in public areas—such as parks, school grounds, graveyards, and road verges—is crucial. Fox urges individuals to lobby local authorities to tolerate and celebrate these spaces, explaining that they help reverse butterfly population declines. Additionally, encouraging the preservation of nettle patches can assist the endangered small tortoiseshell, whose caterpillars exclusively feed on nettles.
4. Participate in the Big Butterfly Count
From 17 July to 9 August, anyone can contribute to conservation by spending 15 minutes counting butterflies in their local area. This simple activity, accessible via a free app for Android and iPhone, helps track population shifts and monitor butterfly health. Whether in gardens, parks, or during walks, multiple counts over the three-week period provide valuable data for conservationists.
5. Monitor Butterflies Year-Round
For ongoing data collection, the iRecord Butterflies app allows users to record sightings of butterflies, eggs, caterpillars, or pupae throughout the year. The app offers identification guidance and suggests which species are likely active in specific areas, enhancing monitoring efforts and supporting long-term conservation strategies.
6. Enjoy and Appreciate Them
Fostering appreciation for garden butterflies can lead to stronger advocacy for their survival. Oates suggests that this summer might be particularly fruitful for butterflies, following last year's warm and dry conditions. By taking time to observe and enjoy these insects, individuals can become more invested in their conservation, ensuring future generations can also experience their charm.
