UK could see Churchill-era butterfly again

The changing climate means conditions in the UK may be suitable again for the return of one of Sir Winston Churchill's favourite butterflies, experts say.

The changing climate means conditions in the UK may be suitable again for the return of one of Sir Winston Churchill's favourite butterflies.

The black-veined white butterfly was once found across southern England but became extinct in the UK in the mid-1920s, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation says.

Changes in land use were a major factor in declining populations, and once numbers were at a low ebb, a few years of bad autumn weather were sufficient to finish off the species in the UK, the charity's Professor Tom Brereton said.

Sir Winston was a fan of the butterfly and attempted to release hundreds in the grounds of his Chartwell home in Kent in the mid-1940s, an activity that would be frowned upon today.

Studies have revealed that with climate change over recent decades, average conditions may now be more suitable for the black-veined white again, particularly in the warmer parts of southern and eastern England.

Though the butterfly can be found as far north as Scandinavia, it needs warm weather in late May and early June, with temperatures of 19C required for the adults to become really active, Prof Brereton said.

Two recent studies in parts of northern France that have a similar climate to southern England found it would be easy to recreate the habitat the butterflies need, by creating field margins rich in wildflowers and patches of scrub.

Sir Winston is thought to have become a butterfly enthusiast during his time as a young officer stationed in India.

His plans to release the black-veined white were thwarted by his gardener who accidentally cut the nests of the young caterpillars from the hawthorn bushes where they had been carefully placed.