Expert advice Rare butterflies to spot this year

As butterfly numbers continue to fall, HANNAH STEPHENSON looks at some rare ones you'd be privileged to see

- HANNAH STEPHENSON

FOLLOWING a bad year for butterflies in 2024, the charity Butterfly Conservation is stressing it’s more important than ever that people take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.

Last year the charity declared a nationwide butterfly emergency because of declining numbers, after participants in the survey spotted just seven butterflies on average per 15-minute count in 2024, a reduction of almost 50 per cent on 2023's average of 12, and the lowest in the history of the Big Butterfly Count.

It was also the worst summer in the count’s history for a number of popular species including small tortoiseshell and common blue.

"Currently, more than half of the UK’s butterfly species are in long-term decline,” warns Kate Bradbury, garden writer, TV presenter and Butterfly Conservation ambassador.

“The good news is that everyone can help, and getting involved in this year’s Big Butterfly Count is a great first step in helping these critically important and incredibly beautiful insects for generations to come.”

She continues: “You don’t need a huge garden to help wildlife. By planting nectar-rich flowers, letting an area of grass grow long and incorporating caterpillar food plants like native shrubs, you can support a number of caterpillars and moths in even the tiniest space. Even pots and hanging baskets, planted with lavender, salvia or Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint, can be the perfect refuelling station in the smallest space.”