Could Scotland be about to experience a bumper summer of butterflies?

After a warm, dry spring, Scotland could be about to experience a bumper summer of butterflies.

It is hoped that as a result, butterfly watchers will enjoy an abundant season ahead, offering glimpses of some of the nation’s best-loved species.

It could mean that this year’s Big Butterfly Count will be filled with a colourful kaleidoscope of butterflies when the environmental project returns from July 17 to August 9.

After a dismal result in 2024, delivering the worst results in the history of the Butterfly Conservation project, 2026 could paint a more colourful picture of how the nation’s species are faring.

The scheme encourages Scots to spend just 15 minutes outdoors in a sunny spot to count the butterflies and day-flying moths they see.

They should then submit their sightings via the free app or at www.bigbutterflycount.org.

The findings will help create an interactive map, providing important data which helps scientists understand where butterflies are thriving, struggling or shifting due to climate change, habitat loss or restoration.

Following one of the warmest springs on record, some of the country’s most recognisable and loved species could experience a potentially abundant summer.

The Small Copper and Holly Blue have been seen in excellent numbers, while Peacock, Red Admiral and sunshine-yellow Brimstone also had a promising start to the year.

With heatwaves, warm dry spells and the occasional welcome downpour creating ideal conditions for breeding and for caterpillar growth, this summer could see gardens and green spaces filled with fluttering wings.

Small Tortoiseshell by Damian Money Damian Money

Butterfly Conservation’s head of engagement, Kate Merry, said: “After the colourful spring with seemingly lots of beautiful butterflies appearing across the UK, it’s tempting to assume we’re heading for a bumper summer, and we’d love nothing more as most of our butterfly species have undergone long-term declines.

“But a bright spring is only ever part of the story, which is why we need people out there taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer. We genuinely don’t yet know how this year will unfold, and the only way to find out is for people to tell us what they’re seeing in their own gardens and green spaces.”

The Peacock, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Brimstone and Small Copper can all be recorded as part of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, along with 15 other butterflies and day-flying moths.

Kate added: “Butterflies are icons of summer and, more importantly, key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health. Every single person who takes part in the Big Butterfly Count and submits their sightings is helping us to see how these pollinators are doing, which in turn helps conservationists build a wider picture of how all insects are faring.

“It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies. You’ll also be helping to protect butterflies for future generations, and if that doesn’t give you the feel-good factor, I don’t know what will!”