Large Blue Butterfly
This butterfly is a symbol of what can happen if we listen to scientists and take appropriate action. 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 reintroducition. 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.)
This model was displayed at Bramhall Methodist Church’s ecofestival, Touching the Earth Lightly, in October (as part of our Climate Year) where it was suspended as a mobile in the worship area.
We told people that we were going to bring it up to this demonstration in Glasgow to raise awareness of the need for ordinary people to campaign for our politicians to take climate science seriously and take appropriate action. We hope they will look out for it in any televsion covereage they watch.
The butterfly is a particularly appropriate image for a church to adopt as it can be considered as a symbol of resurrection. The caterpillar “dies” but it is transformed within the tomb of the chrysalis to be reborn as something new and beautiful. We pray that world leaders will act to transform our world into something new and beautiful.
