Gardeners urged to ALLOW caterpillars to destroy gardens this spring

"Moths have long played second fiddle to butterflies in the garden but understanding their value and needs, and that of their very hungry caterpillars, can support their recovery and help in creating a garden rich in biodiversity. People should allow them to nibble on ornamentals and vegetable crops as well as plant caterpillar-friendly options such as willow, honeysuckle, foxgloves and marjoram."

"Experts are warning that moths, which caterpillars grow into, have seen their numbers plummet by a third since the 1960s. The insects, which are vital pollinators, are struggling with climate change, pollution and an increasingly built-up Britain. They explained that caterpillars need plenty of energy to get plump, ready for transformation into a moth."

"The campaign also recommends making a 'night-time nectar bar' featuring plants that are at their best at dusk, to provide for the hundreds of species of nocturnal moths, such as sweet rocket, tobacco plants (nicotiana), jasmine and white campion. Some adult moths do not eat at all, relying on their reserves from what they ate as a caterpillar."

Moth populations have declined by approximately one-third since the 1960s due to climate change, pollution, and urban development. The Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts are encouraging gardeners to tolerate caterpillar damage on plants as a conservation measure. Caterpillars require substantial food to develop into moths, which serve as vital pollinators. Gardeners are advised to plant caterpillar-friendly species such as willow, honeysuckle, foxgloves, and marjoram. Additionally, creating night-time nectar bars with plants like sweet rocket, tobacco plants, jasmine, and white campion supports nocturnal moth species. Different caterpillar species have varying dietary preferences, with some feeding on multiple plants while others are selective. Some adult moths do not feed at all, relying entirely on energy reserves accumulated during their caterpillar stage.

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