The surprising connection between weeds and insects

, in the past two decades, the UK's flying insect population has experienced a staggering decline of up to 60 per cent. This alarming trend has been attributed to a range of factors, including rising temperatures and the fragmentation of natural habitats, which have made it increasingly difficult for insects to thrive.

There is a fascinating and unexpected connection between these much-maligned plants and the creatures that rely on them They are a valuable source of pollen and nectar from March to October and attract 90 different species of bee, 62 species of hoverfly and 25 species of butterfly, he added. Dandelions are the fourth highest nectar producers among plant species and can be encouraged by reducing the amount of mowing you do."These are great for herbivorous insects and provide valuable habitat for red admiral, small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies," he said.

Encourage clovers to flourish by setting the blade on your mower higher and reducing the amount of fertiliser you put on the lawn, he suggested.With three distinct tufty ears, this grass has traditionally been a lawn-lover’s bugbear, but it provides an important refuge for insects in summer and winter. Clump-forming and extremely drought tolerant, many species of butterflies will feed on the leaves and many bees, including the carder bee, like to nest in it.

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