Britain’s favourite butterfly revealed – and it’s a familiar sight across East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
One of the UK’s most recognisable garden visitors has been named Britain’s favourite butterfly after thousands of people took part in a nationwide poll.
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that the colourful Peacock butterfly has topped the first-ever public vote to find the nation’s favourite species.
More than 20,000 votes were cast between 15th May and 7th June, with the Peacock beating 59 other butterflies to claim the title. The Orange-tip finished second, followed by the Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Brimstone.
The result comes at a significant time for butterfly conservation. Last year, Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency after figures from its annual Big Butterfly Count recorded the lowest butterfly numbers since the survey began.
The Peacock is a familiar sight across East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset, where it can regularly be spotted in gardens, parks, nature reserves and countryside hedgerows throughout the summer months. Its striking red wings, decorated with distinctive eye-like markings, make it one of Britain’s easiest butterflies to identify.
Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said the response to the poll demonstrated the affection many people have for butterflies.
“The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours, and voted in their thousands for their favourites.
“The Peacock is a worthy winner, it’s a true showstopper and a species that I bet a lot of us picture when we think of butterflies. It’s been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favourites and throw their support behind them. Now we can’t wait to see how many Peacocks are spotted up and down the country in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count.”
The Peacock’s popularity is perhaps unsurprising. Found throughout the UK, it is known for its bold colouring and dramatic eye-spots, which help protect it from predators. When threatened, the butterfly can suddenly reveal these markings, startling birds and other animals.
The species thrives wherever nettles are allowed to grow, as the plant provides an essential food source for its caterpillars. Conservationists often encourage gardeners to leave a small patch of nettles untouched to support local butterfly populations.
The top five in the public vote showcased the rich variety of butterflies found across Britain. The Orange-tip, with its vivid orange wing tips on males, secured second place. The Red Admiral, famous for its striking black, red and white colouring, came third, while the delicate Holly Blue finished fourth. The sunshine-yellow Brimstone completed the top five.
Butterfly Conservation is now encouraging people across the South West and the rest of the UK to take part in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count, which runs from 17th July to 9th August.
The annual survey, described as the world’s largest butterfly count, asks members of the public to spend 15 minutes recording the butterflies and day-flying moths they see in any outdoor space. The information helps conservationists track population trends and provides an important snapshot of the health of the natural environment.
Ms Merry said: “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier, simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.
“This information will help conservationists to see how some of our more-common species are faring, which in turn helps to build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths 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 charity hopes a strong public response this summer will help provide fresh data on butterfly populations while raising awareness of the need to protect habitats that support pollinators and other wildlife.
For many nature lovers across the region, however, the result of the nationwide poll has already settled one debate. The Peacock – a regular visitor to gardens and green spaces across East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset – is officially Britain’s favourite butterfly.
( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )