Creating a space for butterflies: Why caterpillar food plants matter

While nectar plants get most of the attention, the key to boosting butterfly numbers starts with their caterpillars and the specific food plants they rely on.

Paul Foulkes-Arellano from the Wild Network will share his passion and learnings about how specific plants can support butterflies.

What to expect:

• Which food plants different caterpillar species depend on, including wildflowers, grasses, trees and common garden plants
• How to choose the right plants to support butterflies in the Cheshire region
• Examples of successful butterfly-friendly spaces, including insights from the speaker’s own garden

About the speaker

Paul Foulkes-Arellano from the Wild Network is a co-author of the book Materials and Sustainability: Building a Circular Future and is a passionate advocate for nature recovery and biodiversity. But most of all, he loves volunteering, and alongside his work, Paul volunteers at Macclesfield Community Tree Nursery, Macclesfield Market Garden and is active with the Green Coalition in Macclesfield. He is a member of Butterfly Conservation, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and other environmental organisations and would much rather be in a field or forest than in a boardroom.

Please note this webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams. If you have any questions, please contact bwilliams@cheshirewt.org.uk.

Photo credits: Tortoiseshell Butterfly by Janet Packham, Peacock Larva by John Bridges and Birds Foot Trefoil by Lee Schofield.