Moths attract following as importance comes to light

Everyone loves bees and butterflies, but now moths are finally getting their chance to be in the spotlight.

- Helena Horton

Charles Waters, a moth expert who is secretary of the Sussex Moth Group, has seen a surprisingly rapid increase in interest in the insects from the younger generation, as, he believes, people become more aware of their beauty and diversity, as well as their importance as pollinators.

"Moths are more significant pollinators because there's so many of them. In the UK, there are 59 butterfly species, but there are 2,500 moth species." He showed off a variety of caterpillar and moth friendly plants at the Moonshadow Moth Garden at the Hampton Court Palace garden festival, taking place this week.

British native wildflowers which moths love include wild strawberry, scabious and knapweed. The garden also has a large and colourful buddleia bush which is enjoyed by butterflies and moths alike, and has "messy" areas with long grass, wood and twigs for them to rest on.