Rare Butterfly Once Thought Extinct In UK Spotted In Sussex

A butterfly once declared extinct in the UK has been spotted again in Sussex, conservationists say.

Recent sightings of the Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly have been recorded across southern England, including Sussex, as well as Kent, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall.

The number of reports has led Butterfly Conservation to confirm the species is now once again breeding in the UK rather than simply appearing as a migratory visitor.

The butterfly was once common across England and Wales but had not been recorded as a breeding species since the 1980s.

Its disappearance is believed to be linked to the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, which destroyed many elm trees where the butterflies lay their eggs.

While there have been occasional sightings over the years, reports are now increasing, with around 20 sightings recorded in recent weeks.

One enthusiast, Trevor Collett, travelled more than 90 minutes from his home in Surrey to woodland near Ashford, Kent in the hope of seeing the butterfly.

After walking for five hours he said he was about to give up before finally spotting one, describing the moment as “a degree of elation”.

Professor Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said it is still unclear why the species disappeared from Britain.

However, he said warmer conditions may now be helping it spread across Europe again — allowing it to return to places such as Sussex.

Conservationists say the sightings are particularly encouraging at a time when many butterfly species in the UK are experiencing long-term decline.