Warm weather could lead to increased butterflies in Lincolnshire
Public urged to join the Big Butterfly Count this summer
The warm weather in the UK is sparking positive prospects for butterflies, with conservationists hoping for an increase in sightings across Lincolnshire and the rest of the country.
Ian Paterson, Chair of Butterfly Conservation’s Lincolnshire Branch, said conditions this year have been favourable thanks to the “right amount of moisture and heat” supporting both caterpillar food plants and nectar sources for adult butterflies.
“This year seems to have been particularly good for butterflies because it's been the right amount of moisture and heat to just keep things growing that the caterpillars need to eat,” he said.
But Paterson warned that short‑term improvements should not distract from the long‑term picture. He pointed to data showing that “the vast majority of our species are in long‑term decline,” despite occasional upticks.
He highlighted the small tortoiseshell butterfly as a stark example. Once “ubiquitous” in people’s childhoods, it has suffered an 87% decline over five decades, with recent years seeing dramatic year‑on‑year drops. “People in younger age groups very rarely see one now,” he said.
Paterson said butterflies and moths are “really good indicators of the health of our natural environment,” adding: “If butterflies and moths are struggling, we know the natural world itself is struggling too.”
He urged residents to take part in the Big Butterfly Count, running from 17 July to 9 August, describing it as vital citizen science.
Paterson also encouraged people to make small changes in their gardens to support local populations. He said the two most important features are “long grass and ivy,” explaining that many caterpillars rely on grasses, while ivy provides crucial late‑season nectar. “If you don’t have caterpillar food plants, you won’t get adults,” he said.
“So please join in and do what you can,” he said.