The top ten National Trust Gardens for butterflies

The National Trust’s Matthew Oates – one of the country’s top butterfly experts - has picked the ten best National Trust gardens to see butterflies this summer.

Some of the best butterfly sites in Britain are owned by the National Trust, in many cases providing a last refuge for species struggling in the face of climate change and habitat loss.

Matthew, who has studied butterflies for over 40 years, says, 'Butterflies are one of our most enduring symbols of summer, and they are important indicators of the health of our environment and of the ways in which climate change is impacting it. We’ve chosen ten of the best National Trust gardens where the grace and beauty of butterflies during their brief but colourful lives can be enjoyed by everyone.'

Cragside House and Country Park, National trust

An excellent butterfly site, with plenty of nectar and shelter. All the standard garden butterflies occur, along with breeding populations of Common Blue, Small Copper, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Wall Brown and Small Skipper. This garden is at its best for butterflies in July and August. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary wanders in from time to time in June. Also good for day-flying moths, including Chimney Sweeper (July) and Silver Y.
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Safari of the week

The top ten National Trust Gardens for butterflies

Cragside House and Country Park, National trust

Anglesey Abbey National Trust

Barrington Court National Trust

Coleton Fishacre National Trust Garden

Mottisfont Abbey Garden, House & Estate, National Trust

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, National trust

Sizergh Castle, National Trust.

Tyntesfield House, National Trust

Upton House National Trust

Greenway House and Gardens, National Trust.