Could We Be in for a Spectacular Summer of Butterflies? Here's How Your Family Can Help Find Out #butterflies #BigButterflyCount #citizenscience #summer #summerholidays #homeeducation

If you've noticed more butterflies fluttering around your garden recently, you're definitely not imagining it.

After a difficult few years for our much-loved butterflies, this spring has brought a welcome splash of colour, with species like the Holly Blue, Peacock and Red Admiral making an early appearance in impressive numbers.

With one of the warmest springs on record behind us, experts are hopeful that we could be heading for one of the best butterfly summers in years.



If you're anything like me, you're always looking for easy ways to get the children outdoors, the Big Butterfly Count is exactly the kind of nature activity we love.

It costs nothing, takes just 15 minutes, and you'll be helping science and scientists at the same time.


A Brighter Year for Butterflies

In fact, 2024 saw the lowest numbers ever recorded during the Big Butterfly Count, prompting Butterfly Conservation to declare a butterfly emergency.

Thankfully, 2025 offered a more positive count.

Species including the beautiful Holly Blue, colourful Peacock, striking Red Admiral, cheerful yellow Brimstone and tiny Small Copper have all enjoyed a particularly good spring, raising hopes that gardens, parks and countryside across the UK could soon be buzzing with even more butterfly activity.

Of course, nature is never predictable.

A warm spring doesn't automatically guarantee a bumper summer, which is why scientists need as many people as possible to get involved in this year's survey.



The Big Butterfly Count Returns This Summer

The annual Big Butterfly Count is back from today, 17 July, until 9 August, and anyone can take part.

The idea is wonderfully simple:
  • Find a sunny outdoor spot.
  • Spend just 15 minutes counting the butterflies and day-flying moths you see.
  • Submit your results using the free app or online.

Whether you're in your back garden, visiting a local park, enjoying a National Trust day out or simply relaxing on holiday somewhere in the UK, every sighting helps.

The information collected helps scientists understand how butterflies are responding to habitat changes, climate change and conservation efforts across the country.



A Brilliant Summer Holiday Activity

If you're looking for simple ways to entertain the children over the holidays without spending a fortune, this is a lovely one to add to your list.

There's something surprisingly calming about sitting quietly together and watching butterflies go about their day.

Younger children will love spotting the different colours and patterns, while older ones can enjoy identifying each species using the free guide.

It's also a great excuse to slow down for fifteen minutes, something many of us could probably do with during the busy summer holidays!



How to Take Part in the Big Butterfly Count 

Taking part couldn't be easier.

Simply download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit the Big Butterfly Count website before heading outside between 17 July and 9 August.

Spend 15 minutes in any sunny outdoor space counting butterflies and day-flying moths, use the free identification guide if you're unsure what you've spotted, then submit your results online or through the app.

You don't need to be a wildlife expert - every single sighting helps build a picture of how butterflies are doing across the UK.

Here's hoping those early signs really do mean we're in for a spectacular butterfly season!



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