Big Butterfly Count 2023 Results

Results of Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count 2023 have been released, revealing a better picture for butterflies than had been feared.

Nearly 100,000 individuals took part in this year's huge citizen science project.

Data reveals that the Red Admiral butterflies are enjoying a 400% boom in British gardens this year as the migrant insect favours the warmer climes brought by climate change.

The Senior Survey Officer has reported that it was a 'pretty good summer because there was concern about the 2022 drought and heatwave of last year'.

On average, individuals saw 12 butterflies per count which is the highest recorded since 2019.

This year has seen a lot of downpours but interspersed with hot sunny days which has provided lush green food plants for caterpillars and lush flowers for adults to feed.

The long term 13 year trend indicates that 5 species are increasing in abundance and 7 are dying.

With 13 years of data to examine, however, there is a worrying trend for the Green Baize White butterfly which has seen a decline of 61% as it is susceptible to drought.

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