Last summer was second worst for common UK butterflies since 1976

Last summer was the fifth worst in nearly half a century for butterflies in Britain, according to the biggest scientific survey of insect populations in the world. For the first time since scientific recording began in 1976, more than half of Britain’s 59 native species are in long-term decline. Nine species suffered their worst year on record, including the once-common small tortoiseshell, the small copper, small skipper, large skipper and green-veined white. Dr Richard Fox, the head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said the “devastating” butterfly declines had been brought about by human actions. “We have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted

Read Full Article