Conservationists on Wednesday voiced concern at a fall in the number of butterflies found in the UK, declaring a "butterfly emergency" and calling for greater protections for under-threat species. Butterfly Conservation -- whose president is the television naturalist David Attenborough -- has declared a "butterfly emergency" to underline the threat.

A wildlife charity has declared a national “butterfly emergency” after its annual Big Butterfly Count recorded its lowest ever numbers. The count has been running for 14 years. This year’s poor results are partly down to the wet weather but the long-term trend is hugely concerning, says Butterfly Conservation.

Conservationists are warning of a 'butterfly emergency' after 9,000 people logged no butterflies at all during their counting session.