The Red Admiral was the most spotted butterfly in the Big Butterfly Count 2023, with overall butterfly numbers up on last year. But results still show a worrying decline of butterflies across the UK, due to habitat loss.
The results are in for this year’s Big Butterfly Count, which ran from 14 July to 6 August. It reveals a better picture for butterflies than had been feared following last summer’s heatwave and drought.
Almost 95,000 counts were submitted to this year’s nationwide survey, a citizen science project that helps wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation better understand the UK’s butterfly population.
The results show that butterfly numbers increased this summer – overall, participants saw more butterflies this year than in the previous four summers. An average of 12 butterflies recorded on each count, compared to the all-time low of just nine individual butterflies per count in 2022.
Dr Zoe Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “We now know that the effects of last year’s drought were not as bad for butterflies as we had feared. The mixed weather this year has helped as there has been an abundance of green food plants available for caterpillars, and plenty of nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies.”
This year’s most-seen species
The most-seen species this year was the Red Admiral – an increase of 338% on last year’s count and the first time the species, which is increasing in the UK as a result of climate change, has taken the top-spot. Last year’s most seen species, Gatekeeper was next, with a 12% increase on last year – a boost for a species that has decreased by 28% since the Count began. Whites were third and fourth, while the Holly Blue had another good summer, with numbers up 66% on 2022, in keeping with its longer-term Big Butterfly Count trend of a 41% increase.
Species that saw a decline from last year include Ringlet, Common Blue and Speckled Wood, all of which also show long-term declines. Numbers of the Green-veined White barely changed since last year, but it has the most severe Big Butterfly Count trend in the longer term, a decrease of 61%.
Butterflies are still in decline
New 13-year trend figures still show a worrying long-term declines for some of the UK’s most common butterfly species.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, explains: “One of the biggest threats butterflies in the UK face is habitat loss. While the weather certainly has an impact on numbers from year to year, butterflies, moths and many other species can generally cope with variable weather. What they can’t cope with is habitat destruction. Butterflies need a place to live. If they can feed, breed and shelter, they can thrive.”
Wild spaces needed
Butterfly Conservation is urging people to create a Wild Space in their outdoor areas to help reverse the massive losses of wildlife-friendly habitats.
“Anyone, anywhere, can create a Wild Space,” says Dr Fox. “Whether it’s leaving a patch of long grass in your garden or planting a small selection of nectar rich plants on a balcony, the opportunities are vast and everyone can make a difference.” For more information go to www.wild-spaces.co.uk
Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12th July – Sunday 4th August 2024. Read our guide to the best butterfly friendly plants you can grow to attract more butterflies to your garden next summer.