Butterfly Numbers in Devon Hit Decade-Low in 2024

Four butterfly species in Devon recorded their lowest numbers in at least a decade in 2024, according to new data released by Butterfly Conservation.

The charity reported significant declines in the silver-washed fritillary, dark green fritillary, wood white, and small heath populations—marking their lowest levels in the past 10 years.

The figures come from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) and Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM), both of which track butterfly trends across the country.

Pete Hurst, the Devon branch recorder for Butterfly Conservation, blamed the ongoing decline on habitat destruction caused by human activity. He also cited poor weather conditions, which have left already diminished populations too fragile to recover.

The findings follow the charity’s earlier announcement that 2024 was the fifth worst year on record for butterflies across the UK. For the first time, over half of all butterfly species are now officially in long-term decline.

Hurst analysed data for 10 butterfly species across Devon, revealing especially sharp declines in two key species. The silver-washed fritillary population was 26% lower than its previous lowest count, and 38% below the 10-year average. The dark green fritillary showed an even steeper drop—37% below its previous low and down 60% over the decade.

These figures underscore growing concerns about the future of the UK’s butterfly populations and the broader state of biodiversity in the region.

“Unfortunately, these figures show concerning drops in the numbers of beloved local butterfly species in Devon,” Mr Hurst said.

He added: “Unfortunately, these figures show concerning drops in the numbers of beloved local butterfly species in Devon.

“This is in line with the national picture, and I would expect there to be similar reductions in other Devon species as well.”

Mr Hurst said long spells of wet weather would have had a “significant negative impact” on butterflies – but he said there was “much more at play”.

He said damage to habitats, pollution, and the use of pesticides on an “industrial scale” had contributed to the decline – adding climate change meant unusual weather was becoming “more and more usual”.

——————————————————————————

At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.

 

Donate now and join in the solution!