Gillingham Town Council has announced it has pledged to become a Butterfly Friendly Council.
The pledge is in partnership with Butterfly Conservation, the UK charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and their habitats. Such creatures are vital indicators of a healthy environment, yet more than half of UK butterfly species are in long-term decline due to habitat loss and pollution. Through the pledge, GIllingham will build on its existing Biodiversity Action Plan and Pollinator Action Plan, continuing to enhance habitats in Gillingham’s public open spaces to better support butterflies, moths and other wildlife. The Council’s grounds team have worked in partnership with Dorset Wildlife Trust for many years and will continue delivering a Nature Recovery Plan across the town’s public open spaces.
Mayor Cllr Fiona Cullen said: “I am delighted that Gillingham Town Council has taken this important step. This pledge reflects our continued commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across our town and ensuring our public open spaces support wildlife for future generations.”
Town Clerk, Julie Hawkins, added: “We are fortunate that many of Gillingham’s public open spaces are already rich in biodiversity and ecological interest. We are looking forward to creating ‘Moon Meadows’ in suitable areas which will provide valuable shelter and food sources for moths and other nocturnal pollinators and help contribute towards Dorset’s nature recovery plan”
Residents are encouraged to support the initiative by planting nectar-rich flowers, creating wildlife habitats at home and reducing pesticide use.
For more information on steps individuals and councils can do to support butterlfies and moths, visit the Butterfly Conservation website.
Photo Credit: Common Blue Butterfly taken by Hamish Murray, Dorset Wildlife Trust, at Shreen Meadows Public Open Space, Gillingham.
