University of Oxford researchers have led a new study which found that hedgerows, small copses and even individual trees can significantly increase the number of butterflies in farmed landscapes. The findings have been published today in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence.

The study, carried out by the University of Oxford and national charity Butterfly Conservation, funded by The Woodland Trust, comes at a critical time for butterfly species. Recent data revealed that 2024 was one of the worst years for butterfly numbers across the UK, with more than half of species in long-term decline for the first time on record. In the new study, the researchers found that having more hedgerows and trees in the landscape increased numbers of butterflies found in the countryside such as Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Comma. Hedgerows, small woodlands and trees were especially important for butterflies in more arable landscapes.

The researchers are now calling for farmers and landowners to get better support to maintain such valuable natural assets on their land.