Hello, this is Jo from the Wild Bunch, reminding you about the Big Butterfly Count running from 18th July to 10th August. This year’s count comes at a hopeful moment. After the record-low counts of 2024, Britain is seeing a remarkable increase in butterfly numbers. This is thanks to an exceptionally sunny spring and early summer. The combination of warm sunshine and timely rainfall has allowed many species to emerge earlier, live longer and lay more eggs. Common species such as peacocks, gatekeepers, marbled whites, and small and large whites are already being spotted in strong numbers.
Ecologists and citizen scientists at the Knepp rewilding project in Sussex reported a record-breaking sighting of 283 purple emperors on 1st July – an extraordinary success for one of our rarest butterflies. Meanwhile in Dorset and across England, many species are emerging a full month earlier than usual – and thriving
Here’s how you can get involved with in this years’ Big Butterfly Count:
- Pick a sunny spot before 10th August – your garden, balcony, local meadow or park.
- Spend just 15 minutes counting butterflies and day-flying moths.
- Submit your sightings via the free app or at bigbutterflycount.org.
No expertise is required. The ID chart provided on the Big Butterfly Count website will help you identify the species you might see.
After the count why not have a think how you can improve your garden or balcony to support butterflies, so they keep thriving? If every count contributor made a tiny butterfly haven, we could build a UK-wide network to support these vital pollinators.
While we see the very welcome and hopeful increase in butterfly numbers, experts urge us to remain vigilant as climate change and long-term habitat loss continue to threaten many species. Our observations help scientists understand real-time trends and advocate for nature action. So grab your ID chart, head outside before 10th August and enjoy counting these beautiful insects.
Our next Wild Bunch gathering will be a pond dipping session at Welshmill Pond on 21st August at 1.30. Spaces are limited so head to the Wild Bunch page on Frome Town Council website to book your free space.
