As the Big Butterfly Count 2025 kicks off, conservationists are calling on the public to help assess the state of butterfly and moth populations across the UK. Running from July 18 to August 10, this annual event invites volunteers to spend 15 minutes in a local green space, counting the butterflies and day-flying moths they observe. Participants can log their findings on the Butterfly Conservation charity’s website or through its app.

The initiative comes in response to last year's alarming results, which saw the lowest butterfly numbers recorded, prompting the declaration of a "butterfly emergency." Simon Saville from Butterfly Conservation emphasized the importance of butterflies as indicators of broader ecological health, stating, "If you don't see butterflies, then you should be worried."

This year, however, offers a glimmer of hope. Favorable weather conditions have led to an "outstanding" season for butterflies, with early emergences and increased sightings reported. Notably, species such as peacocks, gatekeepers, and marbled whites have thrived, and butterflies have been spotted farther north than ever before due to global heating.

Despite these positive signs, experts caution against complacency. Dr. Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation warns of "shifting baseline syndrome," where people may perceive a moderately good summer as abundant due to long-term declines. "A better summer for butterflies does not redress the 50 years of decline," he noted, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss.

The Big Butterfly Count serves as a crucial tool for tracking biodiversity and understanding the impacts of climate change on insect populations. With over 2,500 species of moths also playing vital roles in pollination and food chains, the survey underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for continued conservation efforts.