Nottinghamshire has spoken and crowned the Holly Blue its favourite butterfly. Now, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is calling on residents to get out for its annual Big Butterfly Count and report on how the fairy-like species is faring.
People across the county voted for their favourite species as part of Butterfly Conservation’s first-ever nationwide poll to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in June, with the national crown taken by the showstopping Peacock.
Completing the colourful cast of characters in Nottinghamshire’s top five were the iconic Peacock in second place, the striking Red Admiral in third, the sunshine-yellow Brimstone in fourth, and the uplifting Orange-tip in fifth.
Now, Butterfly Conservation wants to know how butterflies are faring across the county this summer.
The charity is calling on everyone in Nottinghamshire to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, which kicks off on Friday 17 July and runs until Sunday 9 August, to help scientists see what’s happening with some of our most common and much-loved butterflies.
The world’s largest butterfly survey, the Big Butterfly Count asks people to spend just 15 minutes outdoors in a sunny spot, count the butterflies and day-flying moths they see, and submit their sightings via the free app or at www.bigbutterflycount.org.
Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said:
“It’s been wonderful to see so many people in Nottinghamshire get behind their favourite butterflies in the vote. Now we want that passion to turn into action!
“The Big Butterfly Count starts on Friday 17 July, and we’d love residents to be ready and waiting to help paint a picture of how butterflies and moths are doing across the county.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count carries greater urgency than ever. In 2024, Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency after numbers fell to their lowest level in the survey’s history, and in 2025 the charity launched a rescue mission to help reverse long-term declines.
Around 80% of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years as a result of habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use, and scientists need as many eyes as possible looking for butterflies this summer to see what’s happening. Every sighting counts.
The Holly Blue, Peacock, Red Admiral, and Brimstone can all be recorded as part of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, along with 16 other butterflies and day-flying moths.
Kate Merry added:
“Butterflies are key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health, so every single person who takes part and submits their sightings is helping us to see how these vital pollinators are doing, which in turn helps conservationists build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are faring.
“It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies. Download the app, mark the date, and get ready to get out for the Count!”
How to take part
- Download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org.
- Between Friday 17 July and Sunday 9 August, spend 15 minutes in any sunny outdoor space and count the number and types of butterflies and day-flying moths you see.
- You don’t need to be an expert – use the free ID guide on the app and website to help you identify what you’ve seen.
- Log your sightings on the website or free app and help protect UK butterflies for future generations.
This summer, experience the joy of butterflies and see how many you can count. Which will be the most spotted species in this year’s Big Butterfly Count? Time will tell…
