The UK is set for a spectacular summer of butterflies – and everyone is invited to take part!
Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is calling on the public to prepare for a bumper summer of butterflies. This year, alongside its hugely popular Big Butterfly Count, the charity is launching something brand new – a vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly!
Famous for its annual Big Butterfly Count, in which tens of thousands of people spend 15 minutes counting butterflies, Butterfly Conservation is adding an exciting new milestone to the 2026 summer season as it sets out to discover which of the UK’s butterfly species takes the top spot in the nation’s hearts.
The call to action follows scientific evidence that proves counting butterflies boosts how connected people feel to nature and how motivated they are to protect it. Now the charity is encouraging people to vote for their favourite species, then head outside during Big Butterfly Count and see what they can spot this summer.
Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Over the last 16 years, more than 1.35 million Counts have been done by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, spotting almost 13.8 million butterflies and helping us with our vital science and conservation activities.
“This year, we can’t wait to celebrate a bumper summer of butterflies by holding the first-ever vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, before welcoming back the 17th annual Big Butterfly Count.
“Will the nation’s favourite species go on to reign supreme in the Count? Save the dates in your diaries to take part and help us find out!”
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly – Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly marks the first-time UK residents will be invited to champion their most-loved species.
Will the colourful Peacock take the crown? Or how about the understated Small White? Maybe it will be annual visitor the Painted Lady, or hedgerow fan the Gatekeeper.
The highly coveted title is up for grabs. The nation will decide…
Big Butterfly Count – Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August
The 17th annual Big Butterfly Count is back and better than ever. Following hot on the heels of the first-ever vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, keen citizen scientists are encouraged to get out for the Count and see what they can spot.
Will the nation’s favourite species reign supreme in this year’s Count? Or will it have to share the summer top spot with another?
The vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly will take place from Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June, followed by Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count from Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August.
This year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.
Last summer, Britain’s butterflies sent an urgent SOS through Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
The wildlife charity declared a Butterfly Emergency after results revealed a marked and deeply concerning decline in butterfly numbers, which were the lowest in the Count’s history.
The 2024 figures followed a pattern of long-term decline as butterflies struggle against a backdrop of habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use.
That’s why this year, we’re not just launching a survey — we’re launching a nationwide rescue mission, and we need everyone to get involved.
No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time.
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2025 begins on Friday 18 July, and we’re calling on thousands of everyday heroes, from schoolkids to grandparents, dog walkers, hikers, even office workers on their lunch break, to take part.
Worryingly, 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s. These delicate icons of summer respond quickly to environmental change, making their decline a powerful warning sign of a planet in peril.
The good news? There is hope. With just 15 minutes of your time, you can help protect UK butterfly species for future generations.
️ The mission?
Spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.
That’s it. One small action that contributes to a much bigger effort to help save butterfly species and the ecosystems they support.
“This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come,” said Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. “Butterflies are beautiful, yes — but they’re also incredibly important bioindicators. This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it’s too late.
“If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it’s something everybody can do. If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer! – Every count really does make a difference.”
Whether you see a Red Admiral, a Common Blue, or an entire kaleidoscope of Meadow Browns, your sightings provide vital data that help scientists understand where butterflies are thriving, struggling, or shifting due to habitat loss or restoration.
And by taking part, you’re doing more than logging data — you’re standing up for nature. Your observations will help create a live map of UK biodiversity, visible in real-time through the Big Butterfly Count website and free app.
Why It Matters
With over 80% of UK butterfly species in decline, every single sighting counts. Butterflies are early warning signs of environmental collapse — when they struggle, so do birds, bees, and entire ecosystems.
Together, we can reverse the trend by learning where and why butterflies are struggling and taking action to save them.
What’s the problem?
Butterflies are struggling because their habitat is being destroyed and the climate they thrive in is changing and becoming more unpredictable.
Populations may also be declining as a result of pesticide use, both commercially and in gardens. Even insecticides and pesticides labelled “pollinator friendly” can harm butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Employing more nature friendly gardening methods, such as companion planting and allowing wild spaces to flourish within our gardens are two of the best ways to help butterflies thrive at home.
Big Butterfly Count results reveal lowest numbers on record
Butterfly Conservation calls on Government to declare a ‘Nature Emergency’ and act now by banning toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, before it’s too late
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2024 saw the lowest number of butterflies spotted per Count in its 14-year history
A third of species had their worst year on record ever
More than 9,000 Big Butterfly Counts reported not seeing a single butterfly
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has today declared a national ‘Butterfly Emergency’, with results of this summer’s Big Butterfly Count showing a marked and hugely concerning decline in numbers.
Overall, participants spotted just seven butterflies on average per 15-minute Count, a reduction of almost 50% on last year’s average of 12, and the lowest in the 14-year history of the Big Butterfly Count.
It was the worst summer in the Count’s history for Common Blue, Holly Blue, Green-veined White, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady and Scotch Argus. And the majority of species (81%) showed declines in the number seen this year compared with 2023.
In total, just over 935,000 butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded across the UK from 12 July – 4 August, down almost 600,000, equivalent to more than a third of 2023’s total, and 9,000 Counts were logged as seeing zero butterflies, the highest in the citizen science programme’s history.
These figures have alarmed scientists and resulted in the charity declaring a nationwide ‘Butterfly Emergency’.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “The previous lowest average number of butterflies per Count was nine in 2022, this latest figure is 22% lower than that, which is very disturbing.
“Not just that, but a third of the species recorded in the Big Butterfly Count have had their worst year on record, and no species had their best. The results are in line with wider evidence that the summer of 2024 has been very poor for butterflies.
“Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too. Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.”
Butterfly Conservation is writing an open letter to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for the Government to act now for nature by declaring a ‘Nature Emergency’ and banning butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides once and for all, with no exceptions, before it’s too late.
Dr Fox explains: “When used on farmland, these chemicals make their way into the wild plants growing at field edges, resulting in adult butterflies and moths drinking contaminated nectar and caterpillars feeding on contaminated plants.
Many European countries have already banned these chemicals, it’s time for the UK to follow suit and put the natural world first. If we don’t act now to address the long-term drivers of butterfly decline, we will face extinction events never before seen in our lifetime.”
More than 85,000 citizen scientists took part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count this year, submitting 143,241 Counts. This is equivalent to 35,810 hours, or four years worth of time spent counting, in gardens, parks, school grounds and the countryside.
Dr Richard Fox concluded: “If every single person who helped with the Count this summer signs our letter to the Government, we could prevent the very real and pressing threat of species becoming extinct in our lifetime.”
To sign Butterfly Conservation’s letter to the Government asking them to declare a ‘Nature Emergency’ and ban butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides visit: https://butterfly-conservation.org/emergency
Species results in the UK – Big Butterfly Count 2024
Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 18 July – Sunday 10 August 2025.
UK Totals
BBC 2024: UK
Abundance
Average per count
% change from 2023
14-year trend(bold = statistically significant)
1
Gatekeeper
190,413
1.5
-18
-32%
2
Meadow Brown
177,844
1.4
6
-15%
3
Large White
138,424
1.1
-38
2%
4
Small White
112,814
0.9
-46
-19%
5
Peacock
50,847
0.4
-67
-30%
6
Red Admiral
47,109
0.4
-82
28%
7
Ringlet
44,278
0.3
85
-47%
8
Speckled Wood
30,112
0.2
-2
-38%
9
Comma
24,498
0.2
-52
-20%
10
Green-veined White
18,951
0.1
-24
-65%
11
Six-spot Burnet
18,102
0.1
88
–
12
Marbled White
17,922
0.1
101
-18%
13
Small Copper
13,962
0.1
-30
48%
14
Small Tortoiseshell
12,432
0.1
-74
-59%
15
Common Blue
9,755
0.1
-69
-52%
16
Brimstone
8,622
0.1
-53
-18%
17
Holly Blue
7,090
0.1
-80
36%
18
Painted Lady
4,170
0.03
-66
9%
19
Silver Y
4,101
0.03
-30
–
20
Jersey Tiger
3,496
0.03
-29
–
21
Scotch Argus
499
0.004
-61
–
Totals
935,441
7
-40
–
Note:
Ringlet, Marbled White and Six-spot Burnet appeared to have fared well in the Big Butterfly Count this year compared to 2023, however, this was due to their peak flight periods coinciding with the count. Over the course of the whole summer, these species also seem to have fared worse than usual.
To account for annual variation in flight periods, which are heavily influenced by the weather, Butterfly Conservation has produced a fourteen-year trend (2011–2024) for Big Butterfly Count species which can be seen in the results table.
This shows that although these species fared well this year, the long-term picture for the two butterfly species is very different. Over the last 14 years Ringlet has declined by 47% and Marbled White by 18%.
Overall, the 14-year trends show that 11 species (65%) are declining, and three species (18%) are increasing, these are Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Small Copper.
Wet weather and low temperatures causinghavoc for butterflies during Big Butterfly Count
Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed very low numbers of butterflies have been spotted so far in its annual Big Butterfly Count. On average participants are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year.
The unusually wet and windy spring, coupled with the colder than usual temperatures so far this summer could be contributing to the lack of butterflies. While there is a chance of a later emergence of the insects if there is a prolonged sunny spell, numbers are currently the lowest recorded in the 14-year history of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
With just one week remaining of the Big Butterfly Count, scientists are calling on the public to get outside for 15 minutes and record the number and type of butterflies they see – and to enter their results even if they see very few or no butterflies – as this will help them to understand more about how butterflies in the UK are faring.
Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservation, explains: “Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate. If the weather doesn’t allow for this there will be fewer opportunities to breed, and the lack of butterflies now is likely the knock-on effect of our very dreary spring and early summer.”
However, the charity is also warning that it is not only this year’s weather that is contributing to the lack of butterflies being seen. 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s, with habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use the main drivers of this decline.
With populations of butterflies already depleted, they are less resilient to the impact of poor weather.
Dr Dan Hoare continues: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen. Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble we know the wider environment is in trouble too.
“People are telling us that they aren’t seeing butterflies, but simply telling us is not enough, we need everyone to record what they are or aren’t seeing by doing a Big Butterfly Count as this will give us the evidence we need to take vital action to conserve our butterfly species.”
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive action everyone can take to help collect important scientific data which informs policy decision making and conservation effort.
The public are asked to spend just 15 minutes outside when in a sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see.
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet and calm solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and quick to do. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year more than 135,000 Big Butterfly Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies. The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths and faring, informs conservation projects, government policies, and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count ends on Sunday 4 August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
Butterfly Conservation issues rallying cry to people of Scotland
Last summer, citizen scientists in Scotland spotted 28,043 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. Today, wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing a rallying cry to people in the region to help beat that this year.
In 2023, people across Scotland did 5,087 Big Butterfly Counts, with Small White taking the top spot for species sightings. Scientists are hoping even more people will take part to help find out what’s happening with the region’s butterflies before the Count ends on Sunday 4 August.
It’s more important than ever that people take part this year. After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.
Butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment – and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: ‘We really need people across Scotland to get out for the Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.
“We’re relying on everyone, everywhere to spend just 15 minutes outdoors and let us know what they see. With species on the move, someone in Scotland might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!”
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes in a sunny spot. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined four years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks, urban community spaces, balconies, courtyards and in the countryside. The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count is already underway, running from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
Data shows butterflies are spreading northward due to climate change creating warmer habitats
Migratory Red Admiral now overwintering and classed as a UK resident with three fold increase in numbers
New species spotted in new places, including the Holly Blue in Scotland and Jersey Tiger in central London
Citizen scientists are vital in discovering how garden favourite butterflies are on the move through the Big Butterfly Count
Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is today calling on people across the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (12 July – 4 August) and help scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies.
After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.
Another species on the move is the Jersey Tiger. Previously found only in south-west England, the striking day-flying moth has in recent years been spotted as far north as central London, gaining its spot in the Big Butterfly Count in 2021.
And at the other end of the scale, species such as the Scotch Argus in Scotland (above) are retreating northwards to stay in the cooler climes this butterfly prefers.
Butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment – and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
To help scientists discover more about the movement and trends of where butterflies are living, the public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see this summer.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have seen a Holly Blue in Scotland, now it has expanded where it lives across the UK by 34%, increasingly spreading northward.
“And the Red Admiral, which was once a migratory species most commonly seen in southern England in the summer and then leaving for Europe in the winter, is now living in the UK all year round, resulting in a three-fold increase in their numbers.
“We’re also seeing other species which have previously suffered severe declines, such as the Comma, recovering, with a huge increase of 94% in where it is found. These highly adaptable species are all able to move into new places as the climate warms, but for habitat specific species, these trends raise serious red flags.
“Species that rely on particular habitats aren’t able to move as freely as our garden favourites. This means that if climate change continues, they could become trapped in isolated fragments of remaining habitat, unable to move and with their food plants at risk from adverse weather conditions, facing the very real threat of extinction.”
Butterfly Conservation Vice President, Chris Packham, who today launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count, explains: “Butterflies are on the move, and there’s no doubt that climate breakdown is behind these geographic shifts.
“We know nature is running out of time, so we need to act now. We need you to get out for the Big Butterfly Count, let us know what you spot and where you spot it. You will be gathering the important data we need to see what the latest impacts are on our butterflies and moths, so that we can take the action needed to protect them.”
Chris Packham is not alone in his support for the Big Butterfly Count, as President of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough has shared poignant messages in his support of the Count over the years.
Sir David said: “The UK is a nation of amateur naturalists, and we have a proud tradition of celebrating and studying our wildlife.
“Every single person taking part in the Big Butterfly Count helps to build a picture of how butterflies are faring and how we can best conserve them. A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.”
Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation Vice President Dr Amir Khan, and even Winnie the Pooh!
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive action everyone can do to help collect important scientific data, as well as enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.
No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies.
The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths are faring, informs conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
Dr Zoë Randle said: “In total, over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded in last year’s Count, where the Red Admiral reigned supreme with almost 250,000 sightings.
“We’re wondering whether someone this year will be the first to spot a new species in their area, and what the results will show for our butterflies and moths across the UK.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
New scientific research reveals reduction in anxiety of almost 10% and improvements in mental wellbeing when taking part in the Big Butterfly Count
The first-of-its-kind study also shows citizen science activities can connect people with nature, a vital step towards conservation success and nature recovery
Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby.
The pioneering study involved surveying people taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022. The results demonstrate that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduces anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing.
Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feeling of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part.
How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. Therefore, the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.
“The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”
Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times.
“This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”
Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.
Carly added: “Interestingly, the more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards, with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”
In conclusion, Dr Richard Fox said: “In order to save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive.
“This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife.
“We’re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact.”
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
Red Admirals take surprising early lead in 2023 Big Butterfly Count
Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed a huge surge in sightings of the Red Admiral, a migrant species of butterfly, as the Big Butterfly Count enters its final week.
The Red Admiral is currently flying high with 170,000 sightings reported so far*, an impressive increase of 400% on the same period last year.
It is definitely a ‘Red Admiral year’, with people throughout the country reporting seeing the butterfly while taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
The Red Admiral is a familiar and popular butterfly across the UK. It is a garden favourite and found in all types of habitat. However, what may come as a surprise to many is that this small but mighty butterfly is a migrant species, travelling to the UK from North Africa and continental Europe!
There can be no doubt that climate change is the driver behind a long-term increase in Red Admiral numbers.
Each spring, and continuing through the summer, Red Admirals migrate north where the females lay eggs. Consequently, there is an emergence of fresh butterflies from July onwards.
However, in recent years, scientists are seeing an indication that numbers have increased, and that the species is now overwintering in the UK, particularly in the South of England.
With temperatures increasing, the Red Admiral’s need to return to its southerly winter habitat is reducing, which means it is possible we will see a greater number of the species spending the winter in the UK.
This year’s early results show why the Big Butterfly Count is so important in helping scientists to understand how the weather and changing climate are affecting butterflies.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “We’ve been surprised to see the Red Admiral taking the lead, however with the increased frequency of warm weather, the UK may well become a permanent home for this species.
“The results so far show just how vital the Big Butterfly Count is. We couldn’t get the depth and breadth of data we’re collecting without the help of the general public. We’re calling on people across the UK to please get out for the Count and record your butterfly sightings over the next few days.
“With climate change here to stay, we need people to take part more than ever before and help us understand how extreme weather is affecting our butterflies.”
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count isn’t over yet!
So far, citizen scientists across the UK have completed more than 85,000 Counts and recorded over 1 million butterflies and day-flying moths.
The Big Butterfly Count runs until Sunday 6 August and scientists at Butterfly Conservation are keen to see whether the influx of Red Admirals continues, and how they are dispersed around the UK.
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.
No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
Rare species of blue butterfly has been sighted as a result of the restoration of habitats at military training area.
Conservation project at Barry Buddon Training Area in Angus, is proving successful.
Demonstrating MoD’s commitment to supporting nature recovery across the Defence estate.
A project to restore habitats for the rare Small Blue butterfly at Barry Buddon Training Area has seen success this summer, with the elusive species spotted flying on site.
The butterfly is a priority species on the Scottish Biodiversity List, and the sighting of the butterfly at Barry Buddon follows years of conservation efforts by Defence Infrastructure Organisation ecologists and industry partner, Landmarc, to restore habitats for the species in the area.
A pair of the Small Blue butterflies were identified on the military training area during a visit hosted by DIO’s ecology team and a representative from Species on the Edge – a conservation programme focused on reversing the decline of vulnerable coastal species in Scotland – to survey the project’s progress.
Through planting the butterfly’s sole food source, the plant Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), the habitat restoration efforts have created a feeding corridor for the Small Blue across the training area. With support from DIO ecologists, Landmarc teams have established Kidney Vetch along road and track verges to restore connectivity between breeding colonies of the Small Blue and boost the butterfly’s populations within Barry Buddon training area and the surrounding local region.
The sighting of the Small Blue butterfly at Barry Buddon Training Area this summer comes just in time for The Big Butterfly Count, a UK-wide initiative led by the Butterfly Conservation charity and aimed at helping to assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies that can be seen across the country.
Minister of State for Defence, Baroness Goldie, said: “The presence of the Small Blue butterfly at Barry Buddon Training Area is wonderful news and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining and improving biodiversity on our estates.
“The work of DIO and Landmarc, supported by the Butterfly Conservation charity, shows how we can effectively conduct training for our Armed Forces whilst taking care of our environment and delivering on the Government’s biodiversity commitments.
“I strongly support work being done to minimise our impact on the environment and optimise environmental potential whilst keeping our nation safe.”
The work has been funded by the DIO Conservation Stewardship Fund and contributes to a wider biodiversity initiative in the Angus region to restore populations of the Small Blue, which have been in decline in the UK since the 1950s.
The project team at Barry Buddon has received support from the Butterfly Conservation charity, which has helped monitor the Small Blue population on the training area, along with sharing advice and information on the conservation of the butterfly and its habitats.
Lt Col Alan Grant, DIO Commander of the UK Defence Training Estate Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “MOD land is home to some of the most unique and naturally diverse landscapes in the UK, and our Scottish estate is no exception.
“The primary use of the land is to enable our military to train safely, but we are equally committed to supporting nature recovery and balancing the conservation of vital species and habitats with military training requirements.
“It is extremely encouraging to witness first-hand the impact that the habitat restoration work for the Small Blue butterfly is having at Barry Buddon.
“The project is playing a key role in helping to enhance biodiversity, not just on our training estate, but across the wider Angus region, and I look forward to seeing its continued success.”
Comprising 930 hectares of coastal plain on the Tay Estuary between Carnoustie and Monifieth, Barry Buddon is an active military training area, and the work has been carried out in balance with military training requirements.
Because of its scenery and wildlife value, Barry Buddon is an ideal location for enjoying coastal walks and wildlife watching. However, members of the public are asked to access the land only when and where it is safe to do so due to the dangers of live military training.
The MoD supports the delivery of the government’s sustainability objectives through the Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach.
The work being done across the MoD estate ensures that it is resilient and adaptable for responding to future risks and addresses the implications for defence capabilities, whilst respecting and minimising the impacts on the environment, availability of resources and changes in the climatic and geographical arena.
Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across Scotland to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (14 July – 6 August) to help scientists understand the impact of climate change on the country’s most-loved butterflies.
Last year’s record temperatures, heatwave and drought caused some of the plants that caterpillars feed on to wither and die. To help scientists discover what the ongoing impact of this extreme weather has been, the Scottish public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see.
Last year, people across Scotland carried out 3,633 counts as part of the Big Butterfly Count, spotting 24,111 butterflies and day-flying moths. The most commonly spotted species across the country included Meadow Brown, Small White and Ringlet. Scientists need to know how these and other species are faring, and are relying on the Scottish public to help.
Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment – with half of the UK’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “This is a vital year for the Big Butterfly Count. We know that the previous extreme summer droughts in 1976 and 1995 took a heavy toll on butterflies and numbers crashed the following year, taking almost a decade to recover.
“The data collected in Scotland during this year’s Big Butterfly Count will give us a valuable insight into what the effect of the most recent extreme weather has been, and how we might be able to better protect our beautiful butterflies. With climate change here to stay, we need people in Scotland to take part more than ever before.”
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive way that everyone can help. As well as contributing to important scientific data collection, taking part in the Count is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.
Butterfly Conservation Ambassador, Dr Amir Khan is one of many famous faces supporting the Big Butterfly Count. He explains: “Getting outside in nature and watching butterflies is a wonderful experience, not only does it spark joy and lower anxiety, you also know that you’re having a big impact on informing important conservation decisions.
“Spending time in nature is proven to be beneficial to our mental health, it can alleviate stress, boost mood and energy, and enhance feelings of happiness.”
Dr Khan is not alone in his advocacy of nature’s medicine, as President of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough, has shared poignant messages in his support of the Big Butterfly Count over the years.
Sir David said: “A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.”
Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation Vice President Chris Packham (who today launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count), and even Winnie the Pooh!
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.
No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year almost 100,000 Counts took place across the UK, with participants spending a combined 2.5 years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks and in the countryside. The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
Dr Zoe concludes: “We know 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s. Which means there are fewer butterflies to be seen than in years gone by.
“However, even if you don’t see any butterflies during your Count, we still want you to tell us! We need to know where there AREN’T any butterflies just as much as where there are, so please still log your result and then pick another day or location and try again. There are no limits on how many times you can take part.”
David Forbes Nixon OBE, Chairman of the DFN Foundation which sponsors the Big Butterfly Count, said: “The DFN Foundation is thrilled to once again sponsor the much-anticipated Big Butterfly Count this year, supporting Butterfly Conservation in their crucial work protecting butterflies from extinction.
“I am delighted that Undershaw School, an initiative of the DFN Foundation, will be taking a leading role in launching this year’s Big Butterfly Count. The school will host an action-packed event, educating pupils and the local community on the importance of biodiversity and conservation through the enchanting world of butterflies.
“Summer is a glorious time to enjoy the great outdoors in the UK, and so I encourage everyone to get involved with this year’s Big Butterfly Count, either with friends and family or setting off on a solo adventure to enjoy a moment of calm and reconnect with nature.
“Not only will it make you feel good, but it will also be invaluable in helping to save species of butterflies and protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 14 July – Sunday 6 August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
No lab coats. No science degrees. Just 15 minutes of your time.
️ The mission?
Why It Matters
How to Take Part
