It’s neck and neck as we head into the second week of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count!
Good morning, butterfly fans, and welcome to today’s thrilling update from the County Leaderboard.
With a week under their belts, Hampshire is absolutely flying out of the starting blocks, clocking up an impressive 2,316 counts.
Their lead is holding firm, but Devon is hot on their tail with 2,101 counts, gaining steadily and refusing to let Hampshire flutter off into the distance just yet.
Down in third, Kent was sitting pretty in silver yesterday, but a powerful surge from Devon has pushed them into bronze with 1,844 counts.
They’ll need a big push – and some favourable winds – if they want that silver medal back.
Meanwhile, Lancashire has powered into fourth place with 1,514 counts, overtaking Norfolk, now in fifth with 1,432 counts.
Norfolk may have slipped down the ranks, but there’s still plenty of time to spread their wings and fly back into a podium spot.
It’s a tense midfield battle, and every single count is crucial as we move into week two.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
When we look at counts per 10,000 people, some counties are punching well above their weight:
Isle of Wight – 23.21 counts per 10,000
Herefordshire – 22.82 counts per 10,000
Cornwall – 22.07 counts per 10,000
4️⃣ Cumbria – 21.96 counts per 10,000
5️⃣ Devon – 17.72 counts per 10,000
Smaller counties are proving themselves true butterfly hotspots, and they’re weighing in on this battle with honour!
Will Hampshire retain their crown, or will Devon snatch it from their grasp? Can Kent hold onto a podium place, or have they run out of steam in this clash of the titans?
Want to help even the scores?
Head over to www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the FREE Big Butterfly Count app, get outside, take 15 minutes, and add your counts to the tally to help your county rise through the ranks.
Anyone fancy a flutter?
