Sussex Celebrates Record-Breaking Summer for Butterflies
More than 50,000 butterflies and day-flying moths were spotted across Sussex during this summer's Big Butterfly Count, with nearly 4,050 residents taking part.
A Summer of Wings and Wonder
Sussex has had a spectacular summer for butterflies, with more than 50,000 of these delicate creatures recorded across the county. The results from Butterfly Conservation's 2026 Big Butterfly Count show just how vibrant our natural world can be when conditions align perfectly.
The impressive figures come from the dedication of 4,048 local people who participated in the annual survey over a three-week period. Their careful observations and records have provided invaluable data about butterfly populations throughout our region.
The Stars of Summer
Among the butterflies spotted, the Gatekeeper emerged as the most commonly seen species, followed by the Small White and Meadow Brown. These sightings paint a picture of thriving colonies across gardens, parks and countryside throughout Brighton, Hove and beyond.
Professor Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, explains the reason behind these impressive numbers: "Adult butterflies love hot, sunny weather for flying, feeding and breeding and that's exactly why people saw so many this summer."
A Word of Caution
Yet there's a more sobering side to this sunny tale. The very conditions that made this such a wonderful year for butterfly spotting—lots of sunshine and very little rain—could have serious consequences for future populations.
Butterfly Conservation has raised important concerns about the long-term impact of extreme heat and drought. Many of the plants that caterpillars depend on for food withered or died before caterpillars finished feeding on them. This disruption to the food chain could mean the full impact on butterfly and moth populations won't become apparent until 2027.
How You Can Help
If you want to support butterflies in the face of climate challenges, Butterfly Conservation has shared three practical tips for making your garden more butterfly-friendly:
First, plant more trees and shrubs such as holly, ivy and buckthorn, which provide essential food sources and shelter. Second, install water butts to collect rainwater during autumn and winter, creating a reserve for watering plants during dry spells. Finally, allow patches of grass to grow long—research shows gardens with long grass can attract up to 93 per cent more butterflies and support greater variety.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to next year's count, organisers emphasise that Big Butterfly Count 2027 will be more important than ever. Running from Friday, July 9 to Sunday, August 1, 2027, it will help assess how butterfly populations have weathered this year's extreme conditions.
Whether you're a keen naturalist or simply someone who enjoys spotting butterflies in your garden, the Big Butterfly Count is an opportunity to contribute to real conservation science while celebrating the natural beauty of Sussex.
Source: More than 50,000 butterflies recorded during summer wildlife count