Britain is holding its first ever popular vote to decide which butterfly the nation loves most. The charity Butterfly Conservation launched the poll, giving anyone a chance to pick a favourite from 60 species that flutter across the country each summer. The vote runs until 7 June.
A contest between garden visitors and woodland royalty
The small tortoiseshell, once a common sight in gardens but now in steep decline, is one contender. Another is the purple emperor, a large, elusive butterfly that poet John Masefield called an "oakwood haunting thing." The brimstone, widely seen as the first sign of spring, is also in the running. Each of the 60 species has its own story and its own set of admirers.
Why the vote matters to local communities
Butterfly Conservation, the charity behind the poll, wants to draw attention to the insects that share Britain's landscapes. Many species have lost habitat and numbers have fallen sharply in recent decades. The small tortoiseshell, for example, was once a garden staple but has become much rarer. By asking people to choose a favourite, the charity hopes to spark conversations about the butterflies people remember from childhood and the ones they still see today. The poll is open to anyone, and the results will reveal which species holds the strongest place in the public imagination.
What the outcome will tell us
The vote will not just name a winner. It will show which butterflies still connect with people across the country, from rural woodlands to city parks. The purple emperor, with its striking appearance and secretive habits, appeals to those who seek out rare wildlife. The brimstone signals the changing seasons. The small tortoiseshell reminds people of what has been lost. The final tally, due after 7 June, will reflect not only personal taste but also the changing relationship between Britons and the natural world around them.
