Butterflies in peril - but you can help

Newly released data has shown that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time on record, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline.

Nine species had their worst year since counting began, including the much-loved Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper.

Worryingly, last year was also the second-worst year on record for 'wider countryside species' – the common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and across the landscape such as Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Large White. In fact, data also show that 51 of the UK's 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023, and 31 are now in long-term decline. Just six species showed any increase in the last year.

What can we do?

The Butterfly Conservation Trust says: "By far the best thing we can do to help butterflies is to create more habitat. Last year we published research which showed that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass increases the number and variety of butterflies that you see. That is why we are calling on people and councils across the UK to pledge to not cut their grass this year from April to September: this simple act can make a real, immediate difference to butterflies, moths and other wildlife."

Click here to make your promise to butterflies and moths.