Why are butterflies important?

Butterflies are a vital part of the ecosystem; they are major pollinators and an important component of the food chain. As such, they act as a highly sensitive environmental barometer.

What is the Big Butterfly Count?

The annual Big Butterfly Count is a tally of the different butterfly species you spot in a 15-minute period in your nearest green space.

The count plays a crucial role in helping assess the health of our environment. Last year over 94,000 people took part in the UK-wide survey and submitted more than 136,000 counts, which helped Butterfly Conservation identify significant trends and better understand how butterflies are faring in the face of a nature and climate crisis. This aids the organisation in planning how to protect butterflies from extinction, and in recognising other key issues affecting wildlife. Unfortunately, last year’s survey revealed that 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s.

How you can take part in the Big Butterfly Count

1. Head to the website – https://www.bigbutterflycount.org/ – and download the identification chart (where you can also record your count)  
   
2. Then, at any time between Friday, 12th July and Sunday, 4th August, find a nice, sunny spot where butterflies (and moths) are likely to be. Note down the number and types you spot in 15 minutes. You can take part multiple times.
   
3. Add your count/s on the website here or via the app (search ‘Big Butterfly Count’)
   

Butterfly Conservation NEEDS YOU!

Read how Butterfly Conservation is calling on people across the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count and help scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies in this press release: Butterflies on the Move: Scientists Call on Public to Help Track Spread of Species

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Have fun spotting butterflies, and if you need any ideas for encouraging more wildlife to your garden, take a look at this post:

https://www.theparentsocial.com/how-to-introduce-more-wildlife-and-birds-to-your-garden/

The post The Big Butterfly Count 2024: How to get involved appeared first on The Parent Social.