A NUMBER of butterfly species have seen their numbers plummet after yet another year of unsettled weather.

A 2016 wildlife review carried out by the National Trust reveals meadow butterfly numbers have dropped by 73 per cent compared to last year. Volunteers also recorded a fall in sightings of common blue butterflies by 23 per cent.

At Ballard Down, a cold spring meant numbers of early butterflies like orange tip and green hairstreak were below average – and no Brimstones were seen.

A mild winter, cold spring and mild, wet weather in May and June led to very high grass growth in early summer.

But while the rampant grass growth was good news for farmers, the strong grass growth badly affected species of small plants, which butterflies and bees rely on.

Nature specialist for the Trust, Matthew Oates said: “Another year of unsettled weather has seen extraordinary grass growth – good for livestock and hay making, but bad for many plants and insects which like short turf grassland, like the common blue butterfly.

“Our rangers have had to work closely with farmers and graziers to get grazing levels right for these plants and insects.”

He added the country had last enjoyed a good summer in 2006.