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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Protect caterpillars as UK’s moth population plummets, urge charities

A Jersey tiger moth with red, cream and black markings.
A Jersey tiger moth, one of the UK’s 2,500 species – many of which are at risk due to habitat loss, climate breakdown and pollution. Photograph: Luigi Sebastian/Butterfly Conservation/PA

As spring unfolds and plants come to life, gardeners often fight a losing battle against the caterpillars who munch their cabbages.

Traditionally, advice for gardeners regarding caterpillars would be about how to get rid of them and stop unsightly holes in plants. But the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Wildlife Trusts are asking Britons to take a relaxed attitude to caterpillar carnage in order to support the moths many of them grow into.

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