Landscape & Urban Design Issue 15 2015 | Page 15

Butterfly Conservation Butterfly Conservation is a national wildlife charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and the environment.  Founded in 1968, it is the largest insect organisation in Europe, with a UK-wide network of 32 Branches and 34 nature reserves. Research shows that 75% of butterflies and 70% of moths are in decline, making them one of the most threatened wildlife groups. In the last century, four butterflies and 64 moths have become extinct here. Sir David Attenborough has been President of Butterfly Conservation for more than 17 years and every summer encourages people to take part in their citizen science survey – the Big Butterfly Count. For three weeks people are asked to spend 15 minutes recording the butterflies they see and this year, more than 50,000 counts were submitted. Sir David said: The charity works to safeguard important sites and landscapes for the UK’s 59 species of butterfly and more than 2,500 moths, setting up conservation projects to protect the endangered species. “Butterflies are wonderful, extraordinary creatures. Numbers have been falling, but Butterfly Conservation scientists have demonstrated that these declines can be reversed. They have also found that when you change the environment to help butterflies thrive, all sorts of wildlife benefits. Nature comes back to life.” Encouraging the scientific study of Lepidoptera and raising awareness of their role as indicators of climate change and a healthy environment are also key aims of the charity. You can show your support for the charity by becoming a member or volunteering for your local Branch - visit www.butterfly-conservation.org for more information. Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells have been making premium quality garden ornaments and hard landscaping for over 60 years. For your next project, talk to one of our team or even visit our lovely showgardens, set in woodland only 2 miles from Tunbridge Wells. Take a tour of our website to see our range of garden ornaments and gallery of architectural stonework. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and see what we have done with leading designers at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. Chilstone have been working on fantastic gardens for generations and we we can create unique products to make your project one of a kind.Talk to our team today on 01892 740866. Victoria Park, Fordcombe Road, Langton Green, TN3 0RB www.chilstone.com Tel: 01892 740866 Follow us on Landscape & Urban Design Issue 15 15