The UK’s first ever butterfly resort with a village of 20 houses for the winged creatures has opened at a countryside hotel.
The resort is kitted out with a miniature park, pond and even a football pitch.
The butterflies also have their own butler who provides their fruit-based meals.
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The village is located on the 38-acre countryside estate of Horwood House in Little Horwood, Milton Keynes.
And it has been set up after reports of a steep decline in the insects.
British butterflies are disappearing at an alarming rate.
According to Butterfly Conservation, 2024 was the fifth worst year for butterfly numbers since records began in 1976, with more than half of butterfly species in long-term decline.
And their loss tells a much wider story – butterflies are essential to healthy ecosystems, and their presence reflects the wellbeing of the natural world around us.
To help what Butterfly Conservation has declared a “butterfly emergency”, guests and visitors are encouraged to count the butterflies they see at the resort over a duration of 15 minutes, during the Big Butterfly Count 2025 from 18 July to 10 August.
Kids from Winchester House School, Stowe School and Swanbourne School used a combination of bright colours and dazzling designs to decorate the village.
And eight native species of butterflies have been spotted on the hotel grounds by conservation representatives, as reported by Luxury Property News.
Leighton Reid, Hotel Manager at Horwood House Hotel, said: “We created the Butterfly Resort to not only enhance our gardens and grounds – but to engage children and visitors in conversations about conservation.
“Butterflies are stunning and vital pollinators that are currently in a significant state of decline.
“Through a playful yet meaningful initiative, we’re hoping to raise awareness and foster curiosity, while also inspiring stewardship in future generations.”
Hugh Ellerton, a Trustee of Butterfly Conservation, said: “British butterflies are in crisis, with many species now at risk due to habitat loss and climate change.
“The Butterfly Resort at Horwood House is a wonderful initiative that combines conservation, education and creativity – helping inspire future generations to care about nature.
“It’s also vital the public gets involved through efforts like the Big Butterfly Count, which helps monitor populations and guide conservation.
“Projects like this not only support pollinators directly, but remind us all of the role we play in protecting biodiversity before it’s too late.”
The Butterfly Resort is now open and available to explore daily throughout the summer.
