The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme reports that 2008 was the worst year for the U.K.'s butterfly population since records began, the heavy rain having badly affected them. The good news is that many species will bounce back quite quickly given a decent summer.

We are hoping for one of those old-fashioned summers -- when there seemed to be plenty of sun (but it didn't get too hot) and there was enough rain to keep our reservoirs full and rivers flowing. Why not try a butterfly feeder to give the butterflies a helping hand? Made by Wildlife World, who make a range of feeders and habitats to help other British fauna including birds, bees, ladybirds, squirrels, frogs hedgehogs.