A pioneering initiative is set to transform Leeds into a richer haven for butterflies, moths, and residents over the coming year. The national charity Butterfly Conservation has partnered with Leeds City Council on the Leeds Wild Spaces project, aiming to bolster urban biodiversity and community wellbeing simultaneously.
Creating Havens for Wildlife and People
The project's core mission is to establish eight new Wild Spaces within council-managed parks and green areas across the city. A dedicated Project Officer will be recruited to collaborate with Butterfly Conservation's Yorkshire Branch, local community groups, and the council to bring these spaces to life. Each site will be planted with native wildflowers to provide nectar for pollinators and specific grasses to offer shelter and breeding grounds for caterpillars.
Sammy Fraser, Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces Officer, emphasised the community focus: “We are looking for anyone who loves nature, people and the city of Leeds to get involved. You will have the opportunity to make a real difference for wildlife by creating pollinator patches and breeding ground for butterflies and moths, but you’ll also work with other local people to create spaces which residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.”
Groundwork Underway and Community Empowerment
Substantial progress has already been made. The Yorkshire Branch and the council have prepared 1.3 hectares of land at Roundhay Park and the Temple Newsam estate by cutting grass and removing cuttings. This vital step reduces soil fertility, encouraging a greater diversity of wildflowers to flourish.
Plans for the remaining six sites are drafted, and the team is assembling 250 free Wild Spaces 'start-up packs' for residents. These packs contain wildflower seeds and guidance, enabling people to create their own mini wildlife havens wherever they live in Leeds.
Backing from a Celebrity GP and Vital Funding
The project has attracted significant support, including from Leeds resident and Butterfly Conservation Vice President, Dr Amir Khan. The celebrity GP stated: "I’m really excited about this project starting in Leeds... As a GP I’ve seen how spending time in green spaces can transform our physical and mental health, and Wild Spaces Leeds will make our local green spaces even better for people and wildlife."
Funding has been secured from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Climate Grants programme, Butterfly Conservation's Yorkshire Branch, the Hiscox Foundation, and the Peter Sowerby Foundation. This builds on the success of the first Leeds Wild Space, a wildflower meadow at Roundhay Park's Tropical World.
The initiative addresses a critical national decline, with 80 per cent of UK butterflies lost since the 1970s due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Beyond the eight core spaces, the project will deliver free community events, volunteering opportunities, and educational resources.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “It’s wonderful to see all the work that has already gone into creating new Wild Spaces in our city... Growing and expanding our Wild Spaces also falls under our newly launched Leeds Ambitions, working to restore our connection with nature.”
Butterfly Conservation is recruiting for the Project Officer role now, aiming for a March start. Residents keen to participate can contact the team at wildspaces@butterfly-conservation.org.
