Butterfly Count May be Patchy

The UK butterfly count has apparently suggested, in spite of the autumnale August, that species such as the Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) are continuing to recover (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/15/tortoiseshell-butterfly-fights-back-big-butterfly-count). This species has has been seen 'on the wing' and nettle, the food plant, have done well. Having said that, this species can survive cold spells by hibernating as the adult. In my area, there is very little sign of larvae feeding on the nettles. Perhaps the 'recovery' is a bit in doubt. Certainly, surveys (using the same level of intensity) need to be carried out over an extensive period.