Butterfly Conservation has warned of the pressing need for measures to address the continuing decline of butterflies in Lincolnshire, in spite of an impressive 55 per cent surge in numbers this year. The charity’s Big Butterfly Count recorded more than 32,000 butterflies and day-flying moths in the county from 18th July to 10th August. This boost is credited to the hot summer, contributing to a UK-wide rise compared to 2024, though the figures fell short of predictions. Dr Richard Fox, the charity’s head of science, pointed out that over the past 15 years, more species have seen significant declines than increases.
Dr Fox acknowledged that though most species enjoyed a better summer, a third still grappled, even in optimal weather conditions. Last year’s outcomes, the lowest ever recorded, underline the intense strains faced by common butterfly species due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. While there was a higher visible count of butterflies this year, the total numbers remain typical by contemporary standards, he elaborated.
The ‘large white’ butterfly was the most frequently spotted in Lincolnshire, with over 1,900 residents contributing to the count. The Jersey tiger moth also made leaps and bounds, being spotted in wider areas and in greater numbers than ever before. Conversely, the holly blue, common blue, and meadow brown didn’t fare as well, hinting at a varied fate for the county’s butterfly populations. The charity underlines the necessity to enhance environments and rejuvenate habitats to aid the recovery of butterflies.
Over 125,000 citizen scientists from across the UK had a hand in the count, recording 1.7 million butterflies and moths, with the dominant species being the large white, small white, gatekeeper, red admiral, and meadow brown.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
