May 15, 2026 - 165 views
People across North Wales are being encouraged to celebrate some of the country’s most spectacular butterflies as conservationists launch the first-ever vote to crown Britain’s favourite species.
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has opened a nationwide public vote inviting people to choose their favourite butterfly, from familiar garden visitors like the Red Admiral and Orange-tip to rarer species found in parts of Wales.
The campaign comes as experts warn many butterfly populations are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change and changing land use, with around 80 per cent of UK butterfly species declining over the past 50 years.
North Wales remains one of the best places in Britain to spot some of the country’s rarer and more unusual butterflies, particularly in limestone grasslands, coastal habitats and mountain landscapes.
Among the most sought-after species in Wales is the rare High Brown Fritillary, one of Britain’s most endangered butterflies, which has strongholds in parts of North and Mid Wales. The striking Pearl-bordered Fritillary can also still be found in suitable Welsh woodland habitats.
Meanwhile, the marshy grasslands and dunes of North Wales are home to species including the Small Heath, Common Blue and the silver-spotted Grayling butterfly, which is often seen along the coast during summer months.
Conservationists have also recorded increasing sightings in Wales of species expanding northwards due to warmer temperatures, including the Comma and Holly Blue butterflies.
The vote, which runs until 7 June, aims to encourage more people to reconnect with nature and spend time outdoors watching butterflies.
Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said butterflies hold a “very special place in our hearts” and are often one of people’s earliest memories of wildlife.
She said: “From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful and we look forward to officially crowning Britain’s favourite.”
The UK is home to 60 butterfly species, including two regular migrant visitors — the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow — which can occasionally be seen arriving in Wales in large numbers during favourable weather conditions.
North Wales has seen several remarkable butterfly sightings in recent years, including occasional appearances of rare migrant species carried across from continental Europe by warm winds.
Wildlife experts say butterflies are important indicators of the health of the environment because they react quickly to changes in climate and habitat quality.
Butterfly Conservation President David Attenborough has previously said: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
The charity says even spending 15 minutes watching butterflies can help people feel more connected to nature and more motivated to protect wildlife.
People can vote for their favourite butterfly and take part in a butterfly personality quiz via https://britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk/
