BUTTERFLIES across the UK are under threat from loss of habitat.

97% of wildflower meadows in the UK have been destroyed in the last decade.

This cataclysmic loss of habitat has left our 58 species of UK butterflies in a bit of a precarious situation. Four of these species have gone extinct in the last century and seven out of 10 species are in decline.

An increase of intensive farming and the spread of housing are mainly to blame for the loss of these flower rich areas which are vital to the butterflies.

Why should we care?

Butterflies are excellent pollinators and 80% of plants rely on insects for pollination.

We depend upon these plants for the air we breathe and the food we eat.

The butterflies also give us early warning of any environmental change which may signify the failing health of the countryside

Sir David Attenborough, President of Butterfly Conservation, said: "Butterflies are not just beautiful creatures to observe.

"They warn us of environmental danger. For the sake of future generations we must act now"

What can we do?

Glasgow's Buzzing partnership project created and enhanced more than13hectares of urban wildflower meadows in parks and greenspaces to make them more desirable to butterflies and other pollinators. Glasgow now has more than 25ha of urban areas managed as wildflower meadows.

In addition, farmlands on the edge of the city are positively managed for biodiversity making the total areas of meadows to 65ha (more than 75 Hampden Parks).

An integral part of this project was monitoring and through the project Buglife recorded 17 invertebrate species in wildflower meadows which were new to Glasgow.

The UK charity Butterfly Conservation are protecting butterflies on a grand scale by protecting and enhancing chains of habitat across the UK.

They have over 30 nature reserves and have successfully introduced the Large Blue butterfly after its extinction in 1979.

You can turn your garden into a butterfly haven by planting nectar rich flowers such as Buddleia, Lavender or Michaelmas Daisies among others.

Even a window box with butterfly friendly plants can provide a pit stop for a hungry butterfly as it flies onto more suitable habitat.

To ensure that all stages of the butterfly life cycle are supported in your garden, plant caterpillar friendly plants such as Nasturtiums for your large and small white caterpillars and stinging nettles for red admirals and peacock species.

Planting native wildflowers in a small garden meadow is also really effective and pleasing to the eye.

See www.floralocal.org for British native plants.

Cutting grass less often and using less harmful herbicides and pesticides all help butterflies and their caterpillars to thrive.

The whole family can get involved with The Big Butterfly Count which runs from July 18 until August 9. Get out and about in your local park and see the meadows blooming and count those butterflies.

Visit www.butterfly-conservation.org for more information