Butterfly numbers in Dutch gardens have risen this year, with the red admiral the most frequently seen species, the Vlinderstichting foundation said on Sunday.

The findings come from the foundation’s annual butterfly count, which ran from 11 to 13 July and attracted nearly 15,000 submissions via its website. Participants logged butterflies spotted in their gardens or on balconies.

“There are more butterflies than in the past seven years,” said Vlinderstichting spokesman Kars Veling. “But we’re still a long way from where we want to be.”

The red admiral came out on top, followed by the cabbage white and the peacock butterfly. Participants reported an average of 9.8 butterflies per count – nearly double the average of five in recent years, but still well below the early years of the survey.

“In the first seven years after we started in 2009, the average was 16, with a peak of 28 in 2013,” Veling said. “This is a good year by recent standards, but we’re still aiming for that 16.”

He attributed part of the rebound to 2024’s wet conditions, which benefited many species. But structural problems remain, including drought, nitrogen pollution, pesticide use, intensive farming and the fragmentation of natural habitats.

“These pressures still need to be addressed to really help butterfly populations recover,” Veling said. “But individuals can also make a difference. Plant native flowering species, avoid buying pesticide-treated plants, and choose organic options when possible.”

The decline in bees and bumblebees is also a growing concern. Researchers at Wageningen University are currently investigating which types of beans, apples and sunflowers are most attractive to pollinating insects.