And finally ...

Following a week of frequent torrential rain, Saturday afternoon's weather was sunny but cool (a couple of degrees below the minimum temperature for butterflies to be flying) but, as this was the 26th transect of the 26-week counting season, GH and BG decided to go for it. At this time of year, butterfly numbers are in rapid decline: their food flowers are becoming scarce, the increasing cold saps their energy, wind and rain prevent them from flying to find the remaining flowers. 
 
However, surviving butterflies were out enjoying Saturday's better conditions, especially in south-facing Fames Rough and Coneyboro Hill. We recorded 6 Meadow Browns, 2 Common Blues, 1 Brimstone, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Copper and 1 Speckled Wood. Our total count was 11 butterflies from 6 species. 
 
Despite the news reports of a severe crash in the UK's butterfly population, this year's total count for our transects compares fairly well with previous years. This year's count of 4,588 is the 4th highest of the 8 complete seasons we have worked on: our highest count  was 5,763 in 2019 (with 2018's 5,758 a close second) and our lowest count of 2022's 2,912.  The Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites and Gatekeepers regularly provide the large numbers per season, while this year's count for Common Blues, Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blues, Red Admirals and Ringlets was low. We hope they will surge up again next year. It should also be noted that this year no Small Tortoiseshells were seen.
 
For further information see this spreadsheet detailing this season's and previous years' counts.

Survey by Brian G and Graham H submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS). 
​ Report by Brian Gardner.