BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT 2026

People across the UK are being encouraged to spend just 15 minutes counting butterflies as part of the Big Butterfly Count, the annual nationwide survey organised by Butterfly Conservation, which runs until 9 August 2026.

The project invites members of the public to record the butterflies and day-flying moths they see during a single 15-minute period in a garden, park, nature reserve or other outdoor space. The information collected helps conservationists monitor butterfly populations and identify changes in species numbers across the country.

Butterflies are considered important indicators of the health of the natural environment because they respond quickly to changes in habitat, weather and climate. The results from the Big Butterfly Count provide valuable data that can help shape future conservation efforts and improve understanding of the pressures facing the UK’s wildlife.

The survey is open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Participants can use the free Big Butterfly Count app or submit their sightings online, with every count contributing to a growing national picture of butterfly populations. Even surveys where no butterflies are seen are valuable, helping to build a more accurate understanding of species distribution and abundance.

Organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to take part before the count closes on 9 August. Whether in a back garden, local park or while out walking in the countryside, a quarter of an hour is all it takes to contribute to one of the UK’s largest citizen science projects and help support the conservation of these much-loved insects.

You’ll find details of how to take part here: Big Butterfly Count