Unexpected flourishes abound – a shy hedgehog here, a jewel like beetle there, a nibbling dormouse peeking through the foliage – and the pièce de resistance of the design – a smattering of beautiful butterflies – airily flutters overhead. Altogether it is a wonderfully whimsical scene, as if one has accidentally wandered into a secret English garden full of beauty and intrigue.
British butterflies, and their decline, are a personal passion project for Katharine, and having taken part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count for the past few years, and noting the sad depletion of many of the incomparably wonderful species native to Britain, Katharine saw this wallpaper collection as a chance to spotlight and support the work of Butterfly Conservation, who tirelessly record, educate and lobby for the conservation of British insect life and to create habitats and nature reserves.
Under the presidency of Sir David Attenborough since 1998, Butterfly Conservation employs many leading scientists.
Their report of 2022 revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s and that of the 58 butterfly species in the UK, 24 species were classified as ‘threatened’, eight as ‘endangered’ and 16 as ‘vulnerable’. Half of the butterfly species that currently occur in Britain are therefore listed as either ‘threatened with extinction’ or ‘near threatened’.
With every piece sold, a donation will be made to support Butterfly Conservation, the charity which works to protect and conserve British butterflies, moths and their habitats.
As the Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham puts it succinctly:
“Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. The twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are pushing much of the natural world to the brink – including many of our most treasured species. In the UK, the majority of our butterfly and moth species are in worrying decline. These beautiful and fascinating creatures are not just important in their own right, but are also indicators of a healthy environment for all wildlife.”
As well as featuring many of the most beautiful and iconic British butterflies in the design (including Large Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues, Holly Blues, Purple Emperors, Peacocks, Clouded Yellows, and Fritillaries), 10% of every wallpaper sold will be given by Fromental to this important charity .
You can see the stunning wallpaper at the Katharine Pooley Boutique at 156 WALTON STREET, Brompton Cross.
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