THERE have been increased sightings of some species of butterflies and birds across the region, say conservationists.
The Large Blue and Black Hairstreak are two rare species of butterfly that thrived in the high temperatures last summer.
The Butterfly Conservation Society said more than two-thirds of UK butterflies were in higher numbers than those seen in 2017.
Dr Marc Botham said: “Thanks to ongoing habitat management, many of our threatened species can benefit from the good weather like that of summer 2018, but more still needs to be done to improve the condition of the wider countryside so other species can also take advantage.
“This can start in our own back gardens, by leaving areas unmown and planting native wildflower species.”
However, sightings of more common butterflies such as the Red Admiral butterfly decreased by 75 per cent.
Professor Tom Brereton, from the Butterfly Conservation, said: “2018 brought some welcome relief for butterflies following five below average years in a row.
“But there were not as many butterflies around as we might have expected given the fabulous weather.”
Meanwhile, the RSPB has revealed the top 20 most sighted birds from their UK Big Garden Birdwatch.
The House Sparrow kept top spot but half of the top 20 all returned fewer sightings than 10 years ago.
