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Britain’s Favourite Butterfly
Nation invited to choose its inaugural butterfly champion in first vote of its kind.
15 May 2026
Butterfly Conservation is calling on the public to prepare for a bumper summer of butterflies.
This year, alongside its hugely popular Big Butterfly Count, the leading wildlife charity is launching something brand new – a vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.
Butterfly Conservation is famous for its annual Big Butterfly Count, in which tens of thousands of people spend 15 minutes counting butterflies. In an exciting addition for the 2026 summer season, the charity is setting out to discover which of the UK’s butterfly species takes the top spot in the nation’s hearts.
The announcement follows scientific evidence that proves counting butterflies boosts how connected people feel to nature and how motivated they are to protect it.
Butterfly Conservation is encouraging people to vote for their favourite species, then head outside during Big Butterfly Count and see what they can spot this summer.
‘Over the last 16 years, more than 1.35 million Counts have been done by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, spotting almost 13.8 million butterflies and helping us with our vital science and conservation activities.
‘This year, we can’t wait to celebrate a bumper summer of butterflies by holding the first-ever vote to discover Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, before welcoming back the 17th annual Big Butterfly Count. Will the nation’s favourite species go on to reign supreme in the Count? Save the dates in your diaries to take part and help us find out!’
KATE MERRY
Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly marks the first time UK residents will be invited to champion their most-loved butterfly species.
Will the colourful peacock take the crown? Or how about the understated small white? Maybe it will be annual visitor the painted lady, or hedgerow fan the gatekeeper.
The highly coveted title is up for grabs – and the nation will decide. Voting will close on 07 June 2026.
Following hot on the heels of the first-ever vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, keen citizen scientists are encouraged to get out for the Count and see what they can spot.
Will the nation’s favourite species reign supreme in this year’s Count? Or will it have to share the summer top spot with another?
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count will take place Friday 17 July – Sunday 09 August.
Nation invited to choose its inaugural butterfly champion in first vote of its kind.
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