The Peacock butterfly is currently leading the race on the Isle of Wight to be crowned Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, but conservationists say the competition is still too close to call.
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that 3 species are battling it out for the top spot locally ahead of voting closing on Sunday (7th June).
The eye-catching Peacock butterfly currently tops both the Isle of Wight and national leaderboards thanks to its distinctive eyespots and popularity with gardeners and nature lovers.
However, the Isle of Wight’s own Glanville Fritillary is close behind.
The rare species, famous for inhabiting the Island’s sun-warmed clifftops, has long been associated with the Isle of Wight and is found in only a handful of locations across Britain.
The Holly Blue currently sits in 3rd place and is being described as the competition’s “dark horse”, with the species expanding its range across the UK in recent years.
Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, has said:
“The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people across the Isle of Wight have incredibly strong feelings about the butterflies they love.
Article continues below this advertisement “What’s so exciting right now is just how close the vote is. Any one of these species could take the title, and with voting still open, the final result really is in the hands of the public.
“Whether your heart belongs to a garden favourite, or a rare and special species, please cast your vote, every single one counts and your butterfly needs you!”
Butterfly Conservation says Britain’s Favourite Butterfly is the charity’s first-ever public vote to determine the nation’s most-loved species.
The charity hopes the campaign will encourage people to reconnect with nature and help protect butterfly populations, with 80% of UK butterfly species having declined over the past 50 years due to habitat loss, land use change and climate change.
Voting closes on Sunday (7th June), with the winner set to be announced later this month. People can cast their vote at www.britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk.
