UK butterflies hit hard by changeable weather

This year's Big Butterfly Count started on 16th July .... see here.

Spring this year has been very poor for butterflies due to the unseasonably cold and wet weather. Although April was the sunniest on record, it was also very cold with a record number of frosts. This was then followed by the wettest May for more than 50 years.

The UK is experiencing an increasing number of extreme weather events, very likely a result of climate change, and it is important we learn the effect these changes have on our native butterfly species in order to understand the likely long-term impacts on biodiversity.

There were more than 145,000 counts submitted to the Big Butterfly Count last year, more than ever before. However, what was worrying was that 2020 also saw the lowest average number of butterflies logged since the event began 12 years ago. Butterfly Conservation scientists are keen to see if this is a trend that continues in 2021, hence the importance of the public taking part and helping to gather data.

Chris Packham, Vice President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster, said: "Biodiversity loss and the climate crisis is an urgent issue and it can be overwhelming to think about what we can do as individuals to really make a difference. Because butterflies and moths make excellent indicators of the impacts of climate change and other human environmental factors, collecting data on their numbers is really important. So, something as simple as recording a butterfly spotted in your garden, at your local park or on your window box can play a part in vital research into a global problem. It's a really valuable contribution everyone can make."

Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is something anyone of any age or ability can do in any outdoor space. It provides a real contribution to science and our understanding of butterfly and moth populations in the UK.

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Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature