Bucks hotel launches UK’s first ‘Butterfly Resort’ to aid declining pollinator numbers
The Butterfly Conservation has found 2024 to be one of the worst years on record for butterfly populations
Horwood House, an historic country house hotel near Milton Keynes, has unveiled the UK’s first ‘Butterfly Resort’ in response to what conservationists have called a “butterfly emergency.”
The initiative follows a report from Butterfly Conservation, the UK’s leading charity for butterflies, moths and their habitats, which found 2024 to be one of the worst years on record for butterfly populations.
The outdoor feature – a cluster of 20 uniquely decorated butterfly houses – was brought to life by pupils from Winchester House School, Stowe School and Swanbourne School. Painted in bright colours and imaginative designs, the houses aim to attract visitors’ attention while encouraging discussions about pollinator protection.
Set within Horwood House’s 38 acres of rewilded countryside, the ‘resort’ includes a miniature park, pond and even a football pitch for butterflies, all designed to provide food, shelter and an educational opportunity for visitors. A daily visit from a ‘Butterfly Butler’ delivers surplus fruit from the hotel kitchen, offering an additional food source for the insects.
Hotel Manager Leighton Reid 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.”
Creative Consultant Tracy Montgomery said the project is part of a wider ethos at the independently owned hotel.
“From the very top, our team genuinely believes in community outreach and environmental projects. This isn’t a tick-box exercise – it’s about walking the walk. Working with local school children was joyful, and the colours and creativity they brought to the butterfly houses really brought the project to life,” she said.
Ms Montgomery explained that the design was informed by advice from Butterfly Conservation Trustee Hugh Ellerton. The houses have been positioned among mature buddleia – also known as ‘the butterfly plant’ – to ensure nectar is readily available.
“When we put the houses out, the area was flooded with beautiful butterflies. The houses offer them shelter from wind and rain, and food is right on their doorstep,” she said.
Mr Ellerton described the resort as “a wonderful initiative that combines conservation, education and creativity,” adding:
“British butterflies are in crisis, with many species now at risk due to habitat loss and climate change. Projects like this support pollinators directly and remind us of the role we all play in protecting biodiversity.”
The Butterfly Resort builds on Horwood House’s other environmental projects, including its partnership with Urban Bee-lievers to maintain beehives on-site, the replanting of an ancient orchard, and wider rewilding and tree-planting schemes.
Ms Montgomery noted that these initiatives link back to the estate’s gardening heritage, which includes a connection to Percy Thrower, the UK’s first television gardening presenter.
The launch has even attracted the attention of Sir David Attenborough, who sent the hotel a handwritten letter wishing them well with the venture.
Ms Montgomery said the resort’s impact extends beyond conservation: “This is about bringing people together – our staff, local schools, conservation experts and the community. It’s a privilege in hospitality to be given the time and support to do something creative and meaningful alongside the day-to-day business.”