Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Butterfly Monitoring 2026

UK butterfly monitoring programs provide welfare and conservation data, tracking population trends and identifying priority management needs.

Key Facts

Butterfly Conservation's UKBMS transect program runs at over 2,500 sites across the UK
Citizen science recording through iRecord and Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count provides broader data
Species distribution changes tracked through monitoring guide habitat management priorities
Monitoring data has identified new declines in species including small tortoiseshell and wall brown
Monitoring engagement builds public connection with butterflies and supports conservation culture

Welfare Considerations

Butterfly monitoring provides the welfare and conservation intelligence needed to protect declining species. Participating in monitoring is a direct welfare contribution.

What You Can Do

Participate in Butterfly Conservation monitoring including Big Butterfly Count
Record butterfly sightings in your garden and local area through citizen science apps
Support Butterfly Conservation's monitoring and conservation programs