Govind Tekale
Trees and hedgerows significantly increase butterfly numbers in UK farmlands, according to new research from Oxford University. This finding comes when butterfly populations desperately need help – 2024 was one of the worst years on record, with more than half of species now in long-term decline.
The study shows that even small landscape features make a big difference. Individual trees, hedgerows, and small copses all help boost butterfly numbers in farming areas. For farmers looking to support wildlife, these simple additions can have powerful effects.
“Butterflies are in desperate trouble, including our common countryside species,” explains Dr. Ruth Feber from Oxford University’s Department of Biology, who led the research. “They’re important indicators of wider biodiversity, so actions that help butterflies will help other declining wildlife too.”
Researchers analyzed a decade of data collected by volunteers who counted butterflies along set routes across England. This massive effort covered 1,154 one-kilometer squares as part of the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey.
When they matched butterfly counts with nearby habitat information, a clear pattern emerged. Areas with more hedgerows and small woodlands had higher numbers of common countryside butterflies like Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, and Comma.
These woody features proved especially valuable in areas dominated by crop fields. Ancient woodland areas showed particular benefits for Speckled Wood and Ringlet butterflies.
Another key finding surprised researchers. “We found relatively lower numbers of butterflies on intensively managed grassland compared to arable land,” noted Dr. Feber. Since improved grassland covers over a quarter of the UK, changing how these areas are managed could dramatically help butterfly populations.
Trees and hedgerows support butterflies in multiple ways. They create sheltered spots protected from harsh weather. Many hedgerow plants produce nectar-rich flowers that feed adult butterflies. The plants also serve as essential food sources for caterpillars of various butterfly species.
Similar Posts
Speckled Wood butterflies, for example, prefer dappled shade with their caterpillars feeding on grasses commonly found near hedgerows. Comma butterflies rely on nettles, elm, and hop – plants that often grow in hedgerow environments.
Beyond food and shelter, these woody features create vital corridors connecting isolated habitats. This allows butterflies to move safely across farmland and maintain healthy breeding populations.
The researchers surveyed 31 farmers during the study. Many recognized the environmental benefits of trees and hedgerows but worried about maintenance costs and time commitments.
“Farmers play a vital role in helping these species recover through protecting and restoring hedgerows and trees,” said Dr. Feber. “But they need support. These trees and hedgerows provide public goods benefiting both wildlife and people.”
With farmland covering 70% of the UK, how farmers manage their land hugely impacts butterfly conservation. The study suggests that maintaining existing hedgerows and trees, or planting new ones, could help reverse butterfly declines.
Dr. Feber is now investigating additional approaches. At Oxford University’s Northfield Farm, she’s studying “mob grazing” – a system where cattle intensively graze one area briefly before moving on, allowing the pasture to recover. This research explores whether this grazing approach, combined with good field margin and hedgerow management, improves butterfly habitat.
The Woodland Trust funded the study, conducted in partnership with Butterfly Conservation. Helen Chesshire from The Woodland Trust welcomed the findings, noting that “trees outside woodlands have a range of benefits” for wildlife and the environment.
As butterfly populations continue declining nationwide, this research offers practical solutions for farmers, conservationists, and policymakers working to protect these important indicators of environmental health.
