Peacock Crowned Isle Of Wight's Favourite Butterfly As Residents Urged To Take Part In Big Butterfly Count

(c) Mark Searle

Butterfly lovers across the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to head outdoors later this month and take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count after the Peacock was crowned the Island's favourite butterfly.

The striking Peacock topped the Isle of Wight's poll and also came first nationwide, being named Britain's favourite butterfly in the first-ever public vote featuring all 60 UK butterfly

species.

Rounding out the Isle of Wight's top five were the Glanville Fritillary in second place, the Orange-tip in third, the Common Blue in fourth and the Holly Blue in fifth.

Now, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is asking Islanders to help monitor butterfly populations by taking part in the world's largest butterfly survey.

The Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 17th July until Sunday 9th August. Participants are asked to spend just 15 minutes in a sunny outdoor spot, count the butterflies and day-flying moths they see, and submit their sightings using the free Big Butterfly Count app or online.

Butterfly Conservation says the survey is more important than ever after declaring a butterfly emergency in 2024, when numbers reached their lowest level since the count began.

Around 80% of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years due to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.

The charity says every sighting submitted helps scientists understand how butterflies are faring and supports wider conservation efforts.

Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said:

"It's been wonderful to see so many people on the Isle of Wight get behind their favourite butterflies in the vote.

"Now we want that passion to turn into action.

"The Big Butterfly Count starts on Friday 17th 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."

She 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 understand how these vital pollinators are doing.

"It's easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies."

The Peacock, Common Blue and Holly Blue are among the 20 species that can be recorded during this year's survey.

Anyone can take part, with no previous experience required.

A free identification guide is available through the Big Butterfly Count app and website to help participants identify the butterflies and moths they spot.

Will the Peacock prove to be the Isle of Wight's most common butterfly this summer?

The results of this year's count will reveal the answer.