Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has reported alarmingly low numbers of butterflies in its annual Big Butterfly Count, with participants observing just over half the number of butterflies compared to this time last year.
The unusually wet and windy spring, coupled with colder-than-usual summer temperatures, is believed to be a significant factor in the decline.
While there is hope for a late emergence if a prolonged sunny spell occurs, current figures are the lowest recorded in the 14-year history of the Big Butterfly Count.
With only a week remaining for the count, scientists are urging the public to spend 15 minutes outdoors to record the butterflies they see, even if sightings are few or none.
This data is crucial for understanding the status of butterfly populations in the UK.
The charity warns that this year’s weather is not the sole culprit. Since the 1970s, 80% of UK butterfly species have declined due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use.
With populations already depleted, butterflies are less resilient to adverse weather conditions.
The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind, enabling the public to contribute to vital scientific data that informs policy decisions and conservation efforts.
Participants are encouraged to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot, recording the number and type of butterflies they see.
The initiative is open to everyone, regardless of age or location, whether in urban areas, the countryside, or even small green spaces like gardens and balconies.
Last year, over 135,000 counts were conducted across the UK, with participants spending a combined total of nearly four years counting butterflies.
This data helps scientists understand butterfly and moth populations, informing conservation projects and government policies.
Scotland has seen significant participation, with 5,087 counts conducted last year, recording 28,042 butterflies and day-flying moths.
The Holly Blue, a relatively recent arrival in Scotland, had its best-ever results, increasing by 118% on the previous year.
This species, along with others like the Peacock and Coma, is spreading northwards due to climate change, which is creating warmer habitats.
Conversely, species such as the Scotch Argus retreat northwards to cooler climes. Thirty years ago, the Holly Blue was not seen in Scotland.
Now, it has expanded across the UK by 34%, increasingly spreading northward.
As the Big Butterfly Count continues, the charity hopes for a surge in public participation to gather the essential data needed to protect the UK’s butterfly populations.
Dr Dan Hoare continues: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all.
“Nature is sounding the alarm, and we must listen. Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble, we know the wider environment is in trouble too.
“People are telling us that they aren’t seeing butterflies, but simply telling us is not enough, we need everyone to record what they are or aren’t seeing by doing a Big Butterfly Count as this will give us the evidence we need to take vital action to conserve our butterfly species.”
