Manchester Counts Record-Breaking Butterflies Amid Climate Change Warnings

The results of the Butterfly Conservation's 2026 Big Butterfly Count are in, and Greater Manchester has seen an impressive increase in butterfly sightings this summer. The count, which took place over three weeks, involved 2,097 participants who spotted a total of 19,165 butterflies and day-flying moths across the county.

The most common species spotted was the Small White, also known as the 'Cabbage White', with the Large White taking second place. The Painted Lady butterfly was another standout species, with 651 sightings in Greater Manchester alone - a 335% increase from last year's count.

Experts attribute the high numbers to excellent conditions for caterpillars in the spring and hot, dry weather that adult butterflies love. However, Professor Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation warns that these conditions may have a devastating impact on butterfly populations in the future.