Basically all the various elements that go into making a natural garden will help to create a good habitat for butterflies. This means creating little eco-islands or niches with native wild plants and lots of places where wild creatures can take refuge.

When various kinds of native wildflowers, herbs, weeds and natural wild hedges are allowed to grow in a balanced plant community, butterflies and other special creatures will quickly take up residence. Simply let a few stinging nettles and other wild plants grow in various corners of your garden and you’ve instantly created a butterfly haven.

Certain plants provide a food source for an especially large number of butterfly species and their caterpillars. These champion butterfly plants include: oaks (Quercus species), willows (Salix species), poplars (Populus species), birches (Betula species), hawthorn (Crataegus species), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hazels (Corylus species), roses (Rosa species), raspberries (Rubus idaeus) and blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), nettles (Urtica species), many herbs and the following garden perennials –

Cutting out all chemical pesticides is vital. It’s also important to check that the fertilisers you use are eco-friendly.

Butterflies need access to water, especially in very hot and dry summers. Of course, a naturally designed garden pond or other wetland or bog garden feature would be wonderful. But a birdbath in a sheltered spot would also be fine.

When you’re growing vegetables, always let one or two plants flower. The flowers of Welsh onion, chard and most brassica varieties in particular are magically attractive for beneficial insects.

And at the same time you can harvest your own seed to use in the following season.