Butterflies are in trouble, and the public is being asked to help.

Hampshire residents are being urged to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, a UK-wide citizen science project that asks people to spend just 15 minutes recording butterfly sightings.

The call to action comes amid growing concern for butterfly populations.

Last year was one of the worst on record, with more than half of UK species now in long-term decline, according to the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.

Public urged to spot and log butterflies in nationwide summer countPublic urged to spot and log butterflies in nationwide summer count (Image: Harrison Bates) Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said: "I am devastated by the decline of our beloved British butterflies, and I’m sorry to say it has been brought about by human actions: we have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted the environment, used pesticides on an industrial scale and we are changing the climate.

"That means that when we have poor weather, these already-depleted butterfly populations are highly vulnerable and can't bounce back like they once did – and with climate change, that unusual weather is becoming more and more usual."

The annual Big Butterfly Count is designed to help scientists track the health of butterfly populations across the country.

It is free, easy to take part in, and takes just 15 minutes.

Free 15-minute count aims to track butterflies and climate effectsFree 15-minute count aims to track butterflies and climate effects (Image: Harrison Bates) The data collected is vital for conservation efforts.

Some of the hardest-hit species include the Small Tortoiseshell, Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, and Chalk Hill Blue.

Of the UK’s 59 native butterfly species, 51 saw lower numbers in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The main threats include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and industrial pesticide use.

Butterfly Conservation is taking action through habitat restoration, including work at Magdalen Hill Down near Winchester.

Once a World War I Army camp, the site has been expanded to restore chalk downland.

It is now home to species such as Brimstone, Small Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, and Green-veined White.

Anyone can take part in the Big Butterfly Count, and no specialist knowledge is needed.

To join in, download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit bigbutterflycount.org.

Each 15-minute count helps build a clearer picture of butterfly populations and supports long-term conservation.