Moths matter. Butterflies count.
March with us on 22 June as we tell the Government it’s time to act and #RestoreNatureNow
Butterflies and moths are under threat. 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. Moth numbers have fallen by at least 33% in that same time. We know what is needed to reverse these declines, but time is running out.
With sufficient resources we have shown that conservation action works at both local and national level. But current Government funding and policies are falling short, and nature can’t wait.
On Saturday 22 June, we are joining organisations from across the conservation sector to march through the streets of London and demand that the Government take urgent action to ensure nature’s recovery. And we want you to be there to help us make this the largest-ever public demonstration of support for nature and climate action. Stand with us as we stand up for butterflies and moths.
Sign up below to find out more about the Restore Nature Now march and get involved.
Are there other ways I can support without attending the march?
If you’re unable to join the demonstration in London, there are plenty of other ways you can speak up for butterflies and moths.
- Share the event with your friends and family – If you can’t go, someone you know may be able to join us on the day. The more people who show up, the more of an impact we will have.
- Donate to butterfly and moth recovery projects – Your financial support is crucial amidst a backdrop of underfunding from government.
- Become a member – By joining Butterfly Conservation, you will be part of a movement to create a world rich in butterflies and moths for future generations to enjoy.
Why is the demonstration taking place?
The Restore Nature Now demonstration shows a unity of voices across the nature and climate sectors as well as the strength of public concern about nature’s recovery, as an urgent reminder to all political parties ahead of the upcoming general election that action must be taken to restore nature now.
In its annual progress report published in January 2024, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) said that ‘the Government remains largely off track to meet its environmental ambitions, and must speed up and scale up its efforts in order to achieve them’. Nature in the UK is in long-term decline and the time for action is now.
Why is Butterfly Conservation taking part?
Butterflies and moths are under threat. 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. Moth numbers have fallen by at least 33% in that same time. We know what is needed to reverse these declines, but time is running out.
With sufficient resources we have shown that conservation action works at both local and national level. But current Government funding and policies are falling short, and nature can’t wait.
Which other organisations will be taking part?
Restore Nature Now is a collective of NGOs, grassroots organisations and individuals including: the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF-UK, Friends of the Earth, WWT, Woodland Trust, National Trust, Wildlife and Countryside Link, The Climate Coalition, Extinction Rebellion and Chris Packham.
Why is it only in London?
Westminster sits at the heart of decision making in the UK and controls the majority of the budget. We will be joining our partners in marching to Parliament Square to send a loud and clear message to the UK Government that we need to see action for nature restoration.
Will it be safe and legal?
Wildlife Countryside Link partnership have gained full legal permissions from the Royal Parks, GLA, police and all other relevant authorities to ensure the march is peaceful, safe, and strategically organised. On the day the march will be accompanied by 1,000 stewards, to ensure a safe day for all ages.
What do Butterfly Conservation want the government to do?
The UK is currently in a biodiversity crisis. We know what is needed to save our butterflies and moths, and it’s now time to act.
The next Government must listen to the science and:
- Double the budget for species recovery programmes.
- Support landscape scale action to improve the most important landscapes for butterflies and moths.
- Reduce inequalities in access by ensuring everyone has a wild space within a 15-minute walk.
- Recognise the threat of light pollution and set legally binding targets for its reduction.
- Ban use of all neonicotinoid pesticides immediately – with no exception.