A National Butterfly Emergency has been declared following publication of the 2024 Big Butterfly Count results

 

This year’s #BigButterflyCount results are in and it’s not good news for nature. Overall, participants who took part from the 12 July - 4 August spotted just seven butterflies on average per 15-minute Count, a reduction of almost 50% on last year’s average of 12, and the lowest in the 14-year history of the Big Butterfly Count. Common Blue, Holly Blue, Green-veined White, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady and Scotch Argus all had their worst year on record, and no species had their best.  Following record low results the Butterfly Conservation Trust have declared a Butterfly Emergency and are calling on the Government to declare a nature emergency and implement an immediate and permanent ban on butterfly-harming neonicotinoid pesticides, with no exceptions.  Open this link for full results and the option to sign the open letter (petition closes 13th October).  2024 Big Butterfly Count results