Vote to identify butterfly which sets British hearts a-flutter

BUTTERFLY Conservation is calling on the public to get involved in its bumper summer of butterflies.

This year, alongside its hugely popular Big Butterfly Count, which sees tens of thousands of people spend 15 minutes counting butterflies, the charity is launching something new - a vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.

The call to action follows scientific evidence that proves counting butterflies boosts how connected people feel to nature and how motivated they are to protect it.

A Jersey Tiger, photographed by Luigi Sebastian

Now the charity is encouraging people to vote for their favourite species, then head outside during Big Butterfly Count and see what they can spot this summer.

Kate Merry, head of engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said: "Over the last 16 years, more than 1.35 million counts have been done by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, spotting almost 13.8 million butterflies and helping us with our vital science and conservation activities. 

"This year, we can’t wait to celebrate a bumper summer of butterflies by holding the first-ever vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, before welcoming back the 17th annual Big Butterfly Count. Will the nation’s favourite species go on to reign supreme in the Count? Save the dates in your diaries to take part and help us find out!" 

Britain’s Favourite Butterfly - Friday, May 15 to Sunday, June 7

Britain’s Favourite Butterfly marks the first-time UK residents will be invited to champion their most-loved species. 

Will the colourful Peacock take the crown? Or how about the understated Small White? Maybe it will be annual visitor the Painted Lady, or hedgerow fan the Gatekeeper?

The highly coveted title is up for grabs. The nation will decide…

Big Butterfly Count - Friday, July 17 - Sunday, August 9

The 17th annual Big Butterfly Count is back and better than ever. Following hot on the heels of the first-ever vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, keen citizen scientists are encouraged to get out for the count and see what they can spot. 

Will the nation’s favourite species reign supreme in this year’s count? Or will it have to share the summer top spot with another? 

Find out more at www.butterfly-conservation.org