Almost 6,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight took part in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count, spotting more than 76,000 butterflies and day-flying moths during the 3-week survey period.
The citizen science initiative, run by Butterfly Conservation, recorded 5,927 participants across the 2 counties. They counted 76,847 butterflies and moths between 18th July and 10th August, with spotters seeing an average of 9.1 insects per count – a 16% increase compared to 2024. The most-spotted species locally was the Large White.
The improved numbers are being welcomed after 2024’s record-breaking lows, but the charity has warned that the long-term picture for butterflies remains concerning.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, has said:
“We may feel like we’ve seen lots of butterflies this summer, but that’s only because last year was so awful.
“Last summer’s results were the lowest we’ve seen and a stark warning that many of our common butterfly species are facing significant pressure from challenges linked to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.
“Whilst we’ve seen noticeably more butterflies during 2025’s Big Butterfly Count, the figures suggest it’s actually been a pretty average year for them by modern standards.
“The 15-year Big Butterfly Count trends show that more than twice as many widespread species have declined significantly than have increased. And, while most species had a better than average summer, one-third of species fared poorly even in the generally beneficial weather.
Article continues below this advertisement “There remains a need for us to take urgent action to support our butterfly populations, including by improving the environment in which they live, restoring habitats and reducing pesticide use.”
Across the UK, over 125,000 people took part in this year’s Count, recording 1.7million butterflies and moths. The top 5 species were Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown. On average, 10.3 butterflies were seen per count, which remains broadly average by modern standards.
Winners this year included the Large White and Small White, both of which recorded their best-ever Big Butterfly Count results. The Jersey Tiger moth also had a record summer. But species such as the Holly Blue, Common Blue and Meadow Brown struggled, with some of their worst results on record. The Small Tortoiseshell showed some recovery compared to 2024 but numbers remain well below historical levels.
Butterfly Conservation is now calling on people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to support its campaign to remove synthetic pesticides from sale for domestic use, as part of a wider ‘rescue mission’ for UK butterflies. Islanders can sign an open letter to retailers via www.butterfly-conservation.org.
Next year’s Big Butterfly Count will run between 17th July and 9th August 2026.
