Celebs including Gerri Halliwell-Horner, Dame Joanna Lumley and Downton Abbey star Jim Carter have shared their top picksBen Borland Editor and Emily Beament, PA Environment Correspondent
12:39, 15 May 2026
Geri Halliwell-Horner is a fan of the holly blue(Image: PA)
The public is being encouraged to cast their votes for their preferred butterfly, as conservation experts seek to determine which species claims the nation’s number one position.
Butterfly Conservation, which organises the yearly Big Butterfly Count to monitor the wellbeing of Britain’s butterfly populations, is inviting individuals to participate in the poll until June 7.
High-profile figures are supporting the initiative, with Gerri Halliwell-Horner and Dame Joanna Lumley choosing the holly blue, while Downtown Abbey actor Jim Carter has selected the cabbage white, noting that observing pairs dancing in his garden “always makes me happy”.
Butterfly Conservation has created a dedicated website featuring fascinating information about British species, where voters can submit their choice and even complete a “what’s your butterfly personality” quiz to help select their favourite.
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Julie Williams, chief executive of Butterfly Conservation, commented: “It’s clear Britain is a nation of butterfly lovers. From Sir David Attenborough and the Royal Family to the hundreds of thousands of people who have taken part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, these incredible insects hold a very special place in our hearts.
“Now, for the first time ever, we want to find out which of our much-loved butterflies takes the nation’s top spot. From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful, and we look forward to officially crowning Britain’s favourite.”
A painted lady butterfly on a delicate pink wildflower(Image: Getty Images)
Halliwell-Horner said: “Who doesn’t smile when they see a butterfly? They’re so uplifting aren’t they? I’m rooting for the beautiful holly blue. How about you?”
Dame Joanna also threw her support behind the “charming” holly blue, remarking: “I just adore seeing these little blue butterflies fluttering around my garden.”
Carter, however, had other ideas, stating: “We’ve all got our favourite butterflies but, for me, nothing makes me smile more than a cabbage white. While the peacock is exotic, and the red admiral is very recognisable, it’s the simple cabbage white I love.
Jim is best known for playing Mr Carson on Downton Abbey(Image: (Image: ITV))
“Being in my garden is my favourite place to be, and if I spot a pair dancing around, looking like they are having such a good time, it always makes me happy,” he said as he urged people to vote.
Britain is home to 60 butterfly species, comprising 58 native varieties including the small tortoiseshell, speckled wood and peacock, alongside two regular migrants, the painted lady and clouded yellow.
However, the conservation charity cautions that 80% of species have declined over the last 50 years, largely due to habitat destruction, shifts in land use and the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures are also driving numerous species northwards, amongst them holly blues, commas and peacock butterflies.
Conservationists have stated that even brief spells spent observing butterflies – among the earliest wildlife memories for many people during childhood – can strengthen individuals’ bond with nature, boost their personal wellbeing, and ultimately inspire them to safeguard it.
Members of the public can cast their vote at BritainsFavouriteButterfly.co.uk.