THE results of this year’s Big Butterfly Count are in, showing that whilst some species flourished this summer overall numbers have declined.

Dorset-based wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has released data on the number of butterflies and some day-flying moths recorded across the UK during this year’s Big Butterfly Count - where Brits across the nation took to the outdoors to count butterflies - which ran from July 17 – August 7.

This year the 'big winner' was the Gatekeeper, often found in the south of England - who was the most spotted butterfly. Others doing well this year include the Common Blue, Holly Blue and the Comma.

Overall, however, the trend for butterflies across the UK remains a declining one. The results of the Big Butterfly Count 2022 show an average of just under 9 butterflies seen per count, which is once again an all-time low in the thirteen years since the citizen science project began.

Species that saw a worrying decline from last year include some well-known favourites, such as Red Admiral, Small White and Meadow Brown.

Head of Science for Butterfly Conservation, Dr Richard Fox, said: “We might have expected this summer to have been a much better one for butterflies given the good weather we experienced in many parts of the UK.

"The fact that more butterflies weren’t seen is concerning and it’s clear that much more needs to be done to protect and restore habitats to aid natural recovery."

Dr Zoe Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “The vast majority of Big Butterfly Counts are done in gardens, which makes this data especially valuable because this type of habitat is under-represented in many of our other schemes.

“We can create habitat for butterflies such as the Holly Blue and Comma in our gardens, by cultivating Holly and flowering Ivy for the former and growing Hop, elms and nettles for the latter. Gardens that are wildlife friendly can provide vital habitat for these insects, allowing them space to feed, breed, and shelter.”

The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and relies on volunteers spending 15 minutes outside each summer, counting the number and type of butterflies they see.

Taking part each year helps scientists to gather important data on how butterflies and moths are coping with changing climate, changing weather, and habitat loss.

Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday, July 14 – Sunday, August 6, 2023.

To find out more visit www.butterfly-conservation.org