On Thursday 3rd July, Lackford Lakes volunteers Paul and David carried out a summer survey of butterflies on the reserve. During the hour-long survey they counted 15 species and a total of 233 individual butterflies.

Species spotted include speckled wood and the brown argus – the latter of which is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, but are regularly seen at Lackford Lakes, Carlton Marshes, and a number of our nature reserves.

Again, I've taken out the reference to these being rare - but kept in about the Brown Argus and habitat loss

Becky Smith, West Suffolk Warden at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “The warm weather is likely a factor in the butterfly boom – they are cold-blooded insects and therefore warmer temperatures can help them to be more active for feeding and reproducing. 

“A wet spring – like we had in 2024 – can hugely affect the butterfly life-cycle and therefore result in fewer numbers over the summer.

Becky continues: “There is some cause for concern though, like for all wildlife, should these high temperatures continue to soar. Climate change is leading to hotter than usual summers, causing scorched plants and uncomfortable temperatures which don’t make for ideal breeding conditions.”  

Becky added the sightings further showcase the great work of Suffolk Wildlife Trust in ensuring Lackford Lakes remain a prime habitat for butterflies.

She added: “Lackford Lakes is an example of prime butterfly habitat, with its mix of wildflower- rich meadows, scrub, wetlands and woodland.

“We have been focusing on restoring and maintaining the unique Breckland heath habitats there, which are full of nectar-rich plants that butterflies feed on – helping their numbers on the reserve.

“The higher number of butterflies at the nature reserve shows that our habitat management and creation works have been fruitful, but could also indicate a good year for butterflies across the county.”

The findings also come ahead of national charity Butterfly Conservation’s annual Big Butterfly Count, encouraging people to record their own sightings nationwide from July 18 to August 10.

Linsey Gray, Assistant West Suffolk Warden at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, added: “Now is a perfect time for us to see if the butterfly boom can be seen across the county – and it’s something everyone can get involved in.

“Whether at home, at school or out on your lunch break, taking a few minutes to see what you can find can be really supportive to wildlife charities like us and Butterfly Conservation in identifying trends we need to be aware of."

More information on Lackford Lakes, including upcoming events, can be found at suffolkwildlifetrust.org/lackfordlakes.

Information on the Big Butterfly Count can be found at bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org.