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Big Butterfly Count 2024 - Butterfly Conservation calls on people across the area to join Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham and take part in this year’s count




A leading wildlife charity is calling on people across the area to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.

Butterfly Conservation said the event takes place between July 12 – August 4 and will help
scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies.

After analysing 50 years of data,
researchers have discovered a clear
northward spread for many species,
including common garden favourites
the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue,
the result of climate change creating
warmer habitats for them.

Another species on the move is the
Jersey Tiger. Previously found only in
south-west England, the day-flying
moth has in recent years been spotted
as far north as London, gaining its
spot in the Big Butterfly Count in 2021.

And species such as the Scotch Argus
in Scotland are retreating northwards
to stay in cooler climes.

A Painted Lady photographed by Andrew Cooper
A Painted Lady photographed by Andrew Cooper

The charity said that butterflies are indicators of the health
of our natural environment – and with
half of Britain’s butterfly species
already threatened with extinction,
it’s never been more important to take
action to protect them.

The public are being asked to spend 15
minutes in any sunny spot and record
the number and type of butterflies
they see this summer.

Butterfly Conservation vice-president
Chris Packham, who launched this
year’s Big Butterfly Count on Friday, said:
“Butterflies are on the move, and
there’s no doubt that climate
breakdown is behind these geographic
shifts.

“We know nature is running out of
time, so we need to act now. We need
you to get out for the Big Butterfly
Count, let us know what you spot and
where you spot it.”

Mr Packham is not alone in his
support for the Big Butterfly Count -as president of Butterfly
Conservation, Sir David
Attenborough has shared poignant
messages of support over the years.

Sir David said: “The UK is a nation of
amateur naturalists, and we have a
proud tradition of celebrating and
studying our wildlife.

“Every single person taking part in
the Big Butterfly Count helps to build
a picture of how butterflies are faring
and how we can best conserve them.”

Other famous faces to have taken
part or supported the Big Butterfly
Count over the last few years include
King Charles III, Princess Charlotte,
Butterfly Conservation vice-
president Dr Amir Khan and even
Winnie the Pooh!

The Big Butterfly Count is the largest
citizen science project of its kind and
is a positive action everyone can do to
help collect important scientific data,
as well as enjoy time outdoors,
connect with nature and have fun.

Itis free, fun, takes just 15 minutes and
is open to anyone, of any age, in any
part of the UK.

No green space is too small – a back
garden, a terrace or balcony, a public
park or country lane are all important
spaces to explore and report.

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.

For more details, visit
www.bigbutterflycount.org or
download the Big Butterfly Count app.



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