Butterfly Conservation is calling all nature lovers, puddle splashers and beach bathers to join the world’s largest butterfly count this summer.
The Big Butterfly Count, which runs from 18 July to 10 August is an invitation to explore the great outdoors, learn about the wildlife on your doorstep and inspire a love of nature in curious young minds.
As well as being an important tool that helps Butterfly Conservation understand how butterflies are faring across the UK, the Big Butterfly Count is a great way to add a twist to spaces you already know and love or find a new outdoor space to enjoy as a family.
For families on a budget, the count has the added bonus of being absolutely free and it can be done in as many spaces and as many times as you like throughout the count period.
If you do your count in your garden, why not keep a note of how many butterflies you see this year and see whether adding favourite butterfly and caterpillar food plants, such as lavender, nettles and buddleia, helps you spot a higher number next year?
The Big Butterfly Count can be completed in a garden, park, woodland, meadow, city balcony or on holiday by the coast, wherever you happen to be, every count helps paint a big picture.
If you’re feeling inspired visit the Butterfly Conservation website for fascinating butterfly and moth info, fun free activities and downloads for children, plus gardening tips and guidance on how to find butterflies and moths where you live.
We’ve pulled our favourites, including a poster to colour in and display in your window to encourage others to get out for the count too, into a handy Big Butterfly Count family pack, with something for all ages come rain or shine. Find it at https://butterfly-conservation.org/family-fun
Getting involved in the count, is a simple three step process:
- Get ready with the FREE Big Butterfly Count app or by downloading Butterfly Conservation’s FREE butterfly ID chart
- Join in between July 18 and August 10
- Add your counts via the website or app
simply download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org to learn more and start planning your butterfly adventure.