Butterflies in general, can be regarded as a symbol of new life (and, for Christians, a symbol of resurrection) . More specifically the Large Blue butterfly, which was extinct in the UK but has now been successfully reintroduced, is an example of what can happen if we listen to scientists and take appropriate action. In the light of so much that is challenging about climate change, it is a symbol of hope.

The species became extinct in the United Kingdom in 1979 largely due to intensive agriculture reducing the areas of unimproved grassland in which it thrived. Scientific studies revealed the exact nature of the problem and allowed conservationalists to plan for its reintroduction. Today the butterfly breeds at 33 sites across the South West of England. (The full story is actually more complex and wonderful and you can read about it at this link it also featured on a recent episode of David Attenborough’s Wild Isles series)

In 2021 I made a large model of the butterfly with the intention of marching with it at the public demonstration during the middle weekend of the CoP 26 meeting in Glasgow in November. Here’s a picture of it hanging in our church before we left.

Unfortunately, despite having lived in Scotland for seven years it had never occurred to me that it might be windy in Glasgow in November and it wasn’t safe to unfurl the butterfly in the midst of so many people. There was more space at Glasgow Green at the end of the march and we were able to walk with it for a short distance.

Since returning from Glasgow I’ve taken the butterfly around a number of different churches when I’ve led worship which has focussed on the climate emergency.

Most recently I’ve adapted the butterfly into a costume I can wear and we’re off to the Big One in London on Saturday (22nd April) to give her a fly.