The results of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count are in. The sunniest spring and hottest summer ever recorded in the UK provided good weather conditions for butterflies after 2024’s record-breaking lows. However, the results from the Big Butterfly Count show that it was definitely not a bumper summer for our beleaguered butterflies.
Over 125,000 citizen scientists – more than ever before – recorded 1.7 million butterflies and moths, with the top five species being Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown. While a marked improvement on last summer’s record low (an average of just 7 butterflies per person), this years average of just 10.3 butterflies per participant is only broadly average by modern standards. Butterflies need two things to thrive: good weather and a healthy environment.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, warns that “We may feel like we’ve seen lots of butterflies this summer, but that’s only because last year was so awful. There remains a need for us to take urgent action to support our butterfly populations, including by improving the environment in which they live, restoring habitats and reducing pesticide use. Until we do these things we are unlikely to see a great recovery in butterfly numbers, regardless of how much the sun shines.“
Small Tortoiseshell. Credit Will Langdon, Butterfly Conservation
Winners and losers
Some species did show marked increases this summer. The Large White and Small White both recorded their best ever Big Butterfly Count result.
Meanwhile the Small Tortoiseshell, which had its worst Big Butterfly Count result on record in 2024, showed some improvement but still recorded a below average year and has declined by 60% since 2011.
The Jersey Tiger moth had a record year. The species was recorded more widely and in higher numbers than ever before.
By contrast, Holly Blue had its second worst Big Butterfly Count result on record, Common Blue had its third worst and Meadow Brown had its fourth worst Count result.
What can be done to help?
Butterflies are key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health. Tracking their numbers helps Butterfly Conservation understand the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and conservation action.
This year’s results are a reminder of how much we still need to do if we want to restore butterfly numbers in the UK.
Butterfly Conservation has launched a rescue mission for the UK’s butterflies and is asking people to sign its open letter to retailers calling for the removal of toxic synthetic pesticides from sale for domestic use.
