A record 283 Purple Emperors were counted in a single day at Knepp, West Sussex, signalling a national resurgence of the species during a welcome good summer for butterflies. Ecologists credit the rewilded habitat at Knepp for the species' success. Other butterflies having good years include Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary.

A record number of Purple Emperors has been recorded at the Knepp Estate in Sussex, as the species – and many other butterflies – enjoy a prolific summer in southern England.

Ecologists at the rewilding project counted 283 individual Purple Emperors on 1 July – the highest single-day total ever recorded at the site, which is a national hot-spot for the species.

The species, once in steep decline during the 20th century, has been gradually returning to Knepp since 2001, when Isabella Tree and her husband, Charlie Burrell, transformed the former farmland into a nature-led rewilding estate.

  • slartibartfast@feddit.ukEnglish
    2·
    15 days ago

    Great news.

    I’ve definitely noticed more butterflies myself this year. I saw a peacock butterfly the other day in what feels like years.