UK: Following a steep decline in butterfly numbers across the UK, an historic country house hotel in Buckinghamshire has unveiled the UK’s first ‘Butterfly Resort’.
Data from Butterfly Conservation, a UK-based scientific, conservation and engagement charity founded in 1968, showed that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies.
According to the charity 80 per cent of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. Moth numbers have fallen by at least 33 per cent in that same time.
As a result, Horwood House, near Milton Keynes, has unveiled a collection of uniquely decorated butterfly houses, brought to life by the creative talents of students from three local schools.
Set within the estate’s 38 acres of rewilded countryside, the Butterfly Resort, which features a ‘village’ of 20 butterfly houses alongside a miniature park, pond and even football pitch, has been carefully designed with sustainability and education in mind.
A daily visit from a ‘Butterfly Butler’ – tasked with distributing fruit from the kitchen fruit bins – will provide a vital food source for butterflies, encouraging biodiversity and serving as a fascinating live classroom for younger generations.
Its location within the estate is next to a vibrant spot for butterflies – with eight native British species having been spotted in that area of the grounds by Butterfly Conservation representatives.
Hugh Ellerton, a trustee of Butterfly Conservation, who attended the unveiling, commented on the initiative, saying: “British butterflies are in crisis, with many species now at risk due to habitat loss and climate change. The Butterfly Resort at Horwood House is a wonderful initiative that combines conservation, education and creativity – helping inspire future generations to care about nature.”
Leighton Reid, hotel manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “We created the Butterfly Resort to not only enhance our gardens and grounds – but to engage children and visitors in conversations about conservation.
“Butterflies are stunning and vital pollinators that are currently in a significant state of decline. Through a playful yet meaningful initiative, we’re hoping to raise awareness and foster curiosity, while also inspiring stewardship in future generations.”
Butterfly Conservation’s Ellerton added: “It’s also vital the public gets involved through efforts like the Big Butterfly Count, which helps monitor populations and guide conservation. Projects like this not only support pollinators directly, but remind us all of the role we play in protecting biodiversity before it’s too late.”
Horwood House has also recently partnered with Urban Bee-lievers, a social enterprise, to foster bee-friendly initiatives across its estate.
The collaboration involves the installation of beehives and the nurturing of various pollinators. As part of this partnership, young people supported by Urban Bee-lievers have had the opportunity to work alongside Horwood House’s chefs, creating honey-based dishes and learning about the vital role bees play in the ecosystem.
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