Butterflies were once a quintessential part of the English countryside, a regular sighting across the Hampshire Downs, through the New Forest, and along chalk streams. But the latest figures show some of the UK’s most iconic species are in real danger of disappearing completely.
Last year was one of the worst years on record for butterflies, and data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme showed more than half of the species are in long-term decline for the first time since records began. In September last year, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation declared a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency following the worst ever results of its annual Big Butterfly Count.
This alarming downward trend makes taking part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count more important than ever. As well as helping scientists track how butterflies are faring, it’s a rare opportunity for everyone to contribute actively to conservation.
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is free, simple, and only takes 15 minutes to complete, but the data collected plays a vital role in guiding efforts to protect UK butterfly populations.
What’s not being seen is just as important as what is. Species like the Small Tortoiseshell, once widespread across the UK, had their worst year ever in 2024. Others, including the Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, and Chalk Hill Blue, also saw major declines.
Of the UK’s 59 native butterfly species, 51 recorded lower numbers than in 2023, while only six species saw an increase.
Many of the worst-hit butterfly species rely on specific habitats, and those habitats are vanishing. Climate change, pollution, industrial pesticide use, and habitat destruction have made already-fragile populations even more vulnerable.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “I am devastated by the decline of our beloved British butterflies, and I’m sorry to say it has been brought about by human actions: we have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted the environment, used pesticides on an industrial scale and we are changing the climate. That means that when we have poor weather, these already-depleted butterfly populations are highly vulnerable and can’t bounce back like they once did – and with climate change, that unusual weather is becoming more and more usual.”
Through nature reserves, such as Magdalen Hill Down, near Winchester, Butterfly Conservation is working to restore natural habitats that will give butterflies a fighting chance.
Once a World War I Army camp, Magdalen Hill Down reserve has been extended twice to take in arable land for conversion back to valuable chalk downland. The site has become a hive of butterfly activity and a great place to spot butterflies such as Brimstone, Small Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, and Green-veined Whites, in a stunning natural environment.
With the Butterfly Emergency ongoing and climate change pushing butterflies further north, everyone needs to do their bit to ensure these beautiful creatures continue to bring colour and movement to the English countryside scene.
The good news is, you don’t need to be a scientist or own a sprawling country estate to make a difference and play your part, thanks to the Big Butterfly Count.
Wherever you choose to do your count and whoever you choose to do it with, every count matters. If you catch the bug and want to take part multiple times, why not try different locations? You might even find a new favourite walk in the process.
To join in, simply download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org. Your 15-minute count will provide vital data that contributes to UK-wide conservation efforts.
Every count really does matter, and through collective effort, we can help restore butterfly populations for generations to come
