2017 is the worst year for butterflies, count shows

It has been the worst year for butterflies since a nationwide counting scheme began, figures show.

People taking part in the Big Butterfly Count reported the lowest numbers since the project began in 2010, with an average of just 11 individuals per count.

A mild winter and warm spring meant some species emerged earlier than normal so that some were past their peak by the time of the summer count. But red admirals were helped by the mild winter and warm spring.

Results also showed the common white butterflies all declined by more than a third.