Despite record butterfly sightings across Bedfordshire during summer 2026, conservationists warn that extreme drought conditions could trigger a severe population crash next year.
Data from Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count revealed 927 local people took part across the county, spotting 9,849 butterflies and day-flying moths over three weeks.
The Small White, also known as the Cabbage White, topped county sightings, followed by the Gatekeeper and Large White, while local counts of the migratory Painted Lady surged to 312.
However, experts warn the sunny weather masks an impending crisis for Bedfordshire wildlife.
Looming crash
Widespread drought caused vital food plants to wither and die before caterpillars could finish feeding, threatening long-term survival rates.
Head of science at Butterfly Conservation, professor Richard Fox, stressed that sunny weather created ideal flying conditions but hid underlying damage to habitats.
He said: “The very same weather that made it a good year for butterflies – lots of sunshine and very little rain – could mean we are actually on course for a population crash, which could take years to recover from.”
He added that 80% of UK butterfly species have declined since the 1970s, leaving populations ill-equipped to survive extreme heatwaves.
Extreme drought
The warning follows confirmation from the Met Office that summer 2026 was increasingly likely to be the hottest on record, with the National Drought Group declaring drought across more than 70% of England in August.
Conservationists fear the full ecological impact of the dry conditions will become starkly apparent when counts resume in 2027.
To help local species recover, Butterfly Conservation is urging Bedfordians to take three immediate steps in their outdoor spaces this winter.
Plant more trees and shrubs
Holly, Ivy and Buckthorn are among the best choices for butterflies. Holly and Ivy together support garden favourites, the Holly Blue, while flowering Ivy is also a valuable late-season nectar source for the colourful Red Admiral and charming Comma, as well as a host of bees, moths and hoverflies.
Buckthorns are the food source for Brimstone caterpillars, whose sunshine-yellow butterflies often herald the start of spring.
Species such as oaks, Hawthorn, birches, apples and willows all provide homes for caterpillars of a wide array of native moths.
All are widely available, low-maintenance, and provide shade and shelter from heatwaves as well as food for caterpillars and adult insects. Their deep roots and dense structure also help them cope with dry conditions once established.
Set up water butts
Collecting rainwater through autumn and winter, when it’s plentiful, means there’s a reserve to fall back on for key plants during a dry summer.
With numerous hosepipe bans enforced in 2026, preparing now could help butterflies next year when hot, dry weather is predicted to return.
Leave patches of grass to grow long
Left uncut, grass develops deeper roots and stays green for longer than a closely mown lawn, which browns off quickly in a drought.
Longer grass also provides caterpillar foodplants for species like Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, and creates cooler, damper conditions for butterflies to seek refuge during heatwaves.
Research by Butterfly Conservation scientists found that gardens with a patch of long grass had up to 93% more butterflies and a wider range of species, so this is a free, simple change that could really help butterflies when they need it most.
Next count
Research shows gardens with uncut grass can boost butterfly numbers by up to 93%, providing essential shelter and food during heatwaves.
The next Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday, 9 July to Sunday, 1 August 2027.
For more butterfly-friendly gardening tips, visit butterfly-conservation.org.
