Butterfly Conservation has revealed that very low numbers have been spotted so far in their annual Big Butterfly Count.
On average, participants are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year. During last year's count, butterfly numbers appeared to be on the rise, with participants recording more than they had seen in the previous four summers, despite uncertainty after challenging weather conditions.
Here are the final results of the Big Butterfly Count 2024
Though there is a chance of the insects arriving late if there is a prolonged sunny spell, numbers are currently the lowest recorded in the 14-year history of Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count.
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Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at the charity said: "Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate. If the weather doesn't allow for this there will be fewer opportunities to breed, and the lack of butterflies now is likely the knock-on effect of our dreary spring and early summer."
The charity is warning that bad weather is not the only contributor to poor butterfly sightings this year. Eighty per cent of butterflies have declined in the UK since the 1970s, with habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use the main drivers of the decline.
Dr Dan Hoare added: "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."
The Big Butterfly Count ends on 4 August 2024, for more information visit bigbutterflycount.org
