News

The Big Butterfly CountLink opens in a new window is Butterfly Conservation's UK-wide citizen science initiative and the world's largest butterfly survey. This year it took place between 18th July and 10th August, and we celebrated it by holding our own surveys and introductory walks for those wanting to learn more about butterflies.

The results of the 2025 Big Butterfly Count Link opens in a new windoware out – and unfortunately, it’s not as good news as we had hoped. Even though the 2025 Count broke several records with the hottest summer on record in the UK and with the highest number of surveyors ever, it produced just average numbers after last year’s all-time low. What’s even more worrying is that many previously common butterfly species seem to be in decline.

The Energy and Sustainability Team monitor various areas and animal species on campus by undertaking regular, structured surveys. This year, we started conducting butterfly transects and in July we recorded 15 species of 79 individual butterflies and day flying moths at the field off Spine Route.

These surveys will continue in the coming years to help us build up a more comprehensive knowledge of what species we have on campus and how the different areas and habitats are used by them.

We also intend to continue participating in the Big Butterfly Count, by generating awareness about these amazing animals, and by equipping anyone interested in these species with the basic skills to start their own butterfly count journey.