Horwood House hotel in Buckinghamshire has launched the UK’s first “butterfly resort” as part of wider biodiversity and rewilding efforts.
The 38-acre estate, near Milton Keynes, now features a series of small butterfly houses, feeding areas and habitats designed to support eight native species already present on the site.
The project was developed with input from pupils at Winchester House School, Stowe School and Swanbourne School, who painted and decorated the butterfly houses.
A member of staff has been appointed “butterfly butler”, using surplus fruit from the hotel kitchens to provide food for the insects.
Additionally, the hotel has also partnered with the social enterprise Urban Bee-lievers to install beehives on the grounds.
Young people working with the group are taking part in beekeeping and using honey produced on site in cooking sessions with the hotel’s chefs.
The launch forms part of the hotel’s wider environmental work, which includes tree planting, organic gardening and rewilding schemes.
Leighton Reid, hotel manager at Horwood House, 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, trustee at charity Butterfly Conservation, said: “British butterflies are in crisis. The Butterfly Resort at Horwood House is a wonderful initiative that combines conservation, education and creativity—helping inspire future generations to care about nature.”
