Wild Spaces

Help us make space for nature!

Since 1945 the UK has lost 98% of its meadows. This habitat loss along with climate change means that our butterflies and moths are in severe decline.

But... it doesn’t have to be this way. We are embarking on a campaign to transform the UK into a butterfly and moth-friendly haven and we need you to help.

Right now we would like people to do one of two things:

Register your Wild Spaces

Got a Wild Space already? Register your Wild Space now to notify us that you're doing your bit for butterflies and moths.

We'll be in touch in due course to find out more about your Wild Space(s) and to understand what you're doing to make the difference!

Click Here to Register your Wild Space(s)

Pledge to Create Wild Spaces

We need your help! We're on a mission to create 100,000 wild spaces by 2026 to help improve the state of butterflies and moths in the UK.

Sign up to pledge to create Wild Space(s) now and we'll be in touch in due course with more information about how you can get involved.

Click Here to Pledge to create Wild Space(s)

What are Wild Spaces?

A Wild Space is one where butterflies and moths can complete their lifecycles. The area needs to enable them to feed, breed and shelter. There is no defined size, so long as the requirements are met - it is a Wild Space.

A Wild Space should be free from pesticides. Where compost is used in a Wild Space, it should be peat free. Wild Spaces should be permanent - our goal is about making lasting change.

Some example locations where Wild Spaces can be classified are as follows. This is not a comprehensive list, but just enough to get you thinking about where you can create a Wild Space!

Patio / Balcony Pots

Don’t underestimate them! A few choice plants in a pot, tub or window box can provide the perfect place to refuel and take refuge in built-up areas. See our advice on urban gardening.

Garden

Transform a garden (private, shared, community etc.) into a wild space for butterflies and moths thrive and for all the enjoy.

Community Woodland

Woodlands support a range of specialist species like the White Admiral and Green Silver-lines moth. Learn about managing woodland habitats.

School Grounds

Wild Spaces can be an excellent outdoor classroom used to inspire the next generation of conservationists and nature-lovers.

Village Greens

It doesn’t take a village to create a haven for wildlife, but it certainly helps! Brighten up your village green with pollinator-friendly plants.

Street / Verges

Like us, butterflies and moths need to travel too. Roadside verges and streets can make fantastic wildlife corridors as well as refuge areas.

Allotment Plots

Leave some space between the pumpkins and carrots for butterflies and moths. Be kind to the environment by going pesticide and peat free.

A Unique Wild Space

Create a Wild Space in your own style, size and location to suit what you have available. Small or large, it all helps!

Visit the Big Butterfly Count website

Big Butterfly Count

If you are lucky enough to have access to a Wild Space, you can help our conservation efforts. Simply by counting the butterflies and moths that you see there and recording them for our Big Butterfly Count this year!

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.

The Big Butterfly Count 2022 will begin on Friday 15th July and run until Sunday 7th August. It's simple to take part, download the app and submit what you've seen!

The information submitted via the Big Butterfly Count is used by Butterfly Conservation scientists to assess the current situation of butterfly species throughout the UK. It informs policy and makes a real difference to the wider environment.

Do your part and get involved with Big Butterfly Count!