Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has revealed the dates of this year’s highly anticipated Big Butterfly Count! It will take place from the 12th of July until the 4th of August! Will you be taking part?
The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping the experts assess the health of our environment. This annual event encourages you to go out into your garden, local green space or the countryside to spend 15 minutes counting butterflies. The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths are faring, informs conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK - towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small. A back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
How to take part:
Simply count the butterflies that you see for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather during the Big Butterfly Count dates. This time of year is the best because most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle so more likely to be seen.
If you are counting from a fixed position in your garden, count the maximum number of each species that you can see at a single time. For example, if you see three Red Admirals together on a bush then record it as 3, but if you only see one at a time then record it as 1 (even if you saw one on several occasions) - this is so that you don't count the same butterfly more than once.
If you are doing your count on a walk, then simply total up the number of each butterfly species that you see during the 15 minutes.
Also please remember that if you don't see any butterflies then let them know that too. It is very important that we know if there are areas where butterflies are not being seen, this may indicate a wider problem.
You can do as many counts as you want to. You can submit separate records for different dates at the same place and for different places that you visit. And your count is useful even if you do not see any butterflies or moths.
To add your counts go to The Big Butterfly Count or download the free Big Butterfly Count app!
Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies which I think is amazing! Butterflies are more than just pretty insects fluttering in our gardens. They are vital pollinators, indicators of environmental health, and key players in the food web. They are so important to our world.
Do you see many butterflies when you are out and about?
What a great event! You'll have to let us know how many butterflies you find.
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