Manchester has spoken and crowned the Peacock 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 showstopping species is faring.
As well as topping the county’s leaderboard, the Peacock reigned supreme across the nation, taking the title of Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in the first-ever vote on all 60 UK butterflies.
Completing the colourful cast of characters in Manchester’s top five were the uplifting Orange-tip in second, striking Red Admiral in third, Common Blue taking fourth, and Small Tortoiseshell in fifth.
Now Butterfly Conservation wants to know how butterflies are faring across the county this summer.
The charity is calling on everyone in Manchester 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 atwww.bigbutterflycount.org.
Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people in Manchester 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, the 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 Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell can all be recorded as part of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, along with 17 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 that 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 – 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
