Britain’s Butterfly Numbers Recover but Remain Average

Butterfly numbers bounced back after 2024’s poor summer, reaching only average levels in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.
Over 125,000 citizen scientists recorded an average of 10.3 butterflies per 15-minute count across the UK.
This marked improvement followed 2024’s record low of seven butterflies per count.
The large white saw a 131% increase, the small white 128%, and the red admiral 185% compared with last year.
Butterfly Conservation warned that numbers have returned only to average and remain below earlier summers.
Dr Richard Fox noted that more than twice as many widespread species have declined than increased over 15 years.
One-third of species performed poorly despite generally favorable weather this summer.
The Jersey tiger moth reached record sightings, while holly blue and meadow brown fared poorly.
The small tortoiseshell recovered from its worst 2024 result but has fallen 60% since 2011.
Some species, like the large white, red admiral, and small copper, show long-term increases.
Fox stressed urgent action is needed to restore habitats, reduce pesticides, and support butterfly populations.