If you have room for an ‘out of the way’ area, why not try creating a ‘wild patch’ for butterflies and other insects. These are wonderful (but sometimes unpopular) wildlife plants.
All are vigorous and aggressive, so must be managed to stop them spreading too far.
| Wild Roses | Bramble | Stinging Nettle |
| Ivy | Honeysuckle | Cow Parsley |
Although not popular, Stinging Nettles are the food plant for the caterpillars of some of our best-loved butterflies such as Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock and Comma.
So remember – ‘No Nettles = No Butterflies’! You decide!
The well-known ‘Butterfly bush’, the Buddleia, is a nectar plant for adult butterflies only. Without nettles for the caterpillars to eat, there can be no adult butterflies.
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World Owl Trust Registered Charity Number: 1107529 Limited Company Number: 5296745 |
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The World Owl Trust is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Trust relies on a dedicated membership, visitors, donations and
legacies.
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