Britain's Favourite Butterfly Vote Launches on 15 May 2026 for Nature Lovers

Butterfly lovers across the UK are in for a treat as the first-ever vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly kicks off on Friday 15 May 2026. This exciting initiative, launched by the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, invites everyone to select their top butterfly from a list of 60 species, ranging from familiar garden visitors to rare beauties. Voting will continue until Sunday 7 June, with results set to be announced later in June.

Vote For Your Favourite

Whether it’s the vibrant Red Admiral, the charming Orange-tip, or the elusive Purple Emperor, everyone has a butterfly that holds a special place in their heart. To make the voting process fun and engaging, Butterfly Conservation has created a dedicated website where participants can learn interesting facts about each butterfly species. The site also features a quirky quiz called “What’s Your Butterfly Personality?” which helps voters discover which butterfly suits them best.

Why Butterflies Matter

Butterflies are more than just beautiful insects; they are a significant part of our ecosystem. According to Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, “It’s clear Britain is a nation of butterfly lovers.” Many people have fond childhood memories associated with butterflies, making them a beloved part of the natural world. In fact, a recent survey revealed that butterflies are considered the most-loved creatures from childhood experiences.

However, the news isn’t all good. Over the past 50 years, 80% of butterfly species have declined due to habitat loss and climate change. This makes the vote not just a celebration of these creatures, but also a call to action to protect them and their habitats. Watching butterflies can also benefit people's mental well-being, helping them feel more connected to nature. Just 15 minutes of butterfly watching can increase one’s motivation to engage in conservation efforts.

A Diverse Selection

The UK is home to 58 resident butterfly species and two regular visitors, the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow. Some of the most common butterflies include:

• Large White

• Small Tortoiseshell

• Green Hairstreak

Each species has its own unique characteristics, and regional differences in butterfly populations may influence voting preferences. For example, some species like the Peacock and Holly Blue have been spreading northwards due to climate change, making it interesting to see if people from different areas have different favourites.

Get Involved

The vote for Britain’s Favourite Butterfly is open to everyone, regardless of their knowledge of butterflies. It’s a chance for people to participate in a fun activity that celebrates nature. Whether choosing a butterfly based on its colour, name, or personal memories, every vote counts. The Butterfly Conservation hopes that this initiative will not only raise awareness about butterflies but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

As Sir David Attenborough, President of Butterfly Conservation, famously said,

“No one will protect what they don't care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

This vote serves as an opportunity for people to connect with butterflies and, by extension, the environment.

Voting opens on 15 May and will close on 7 June. To cast a vote and learn more about the different butterfly species, visit the dedicated website at britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk.