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Londoners urged to help count butterflies this summer

Last year people across London carried out 8,695 counts, spotting 65,210 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is issuing a rallying cry to Londoners to help beat last year’s ‘Big Butterfly Count’ total.

In 2023, people across London carried out 8,695 counts, spotting 65,210 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count, with gatekeeper taking the top spot for species sightings.

Scientists are hoping even more people will take part to help find out what’s happening with the region’s butterflies before the count ends on Sunday, 4th August.

It’s more important than ever that people take part this year. 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 to survive in.

Butterflies are indicators of the health of the natural environment and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.

Dr Zoë Randle, senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation, says: “We really need people across Greater London to get out for the count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.

“We’re relying on everyone, everywhere to spend just 15 minutes outdoors and let us know what they see. With species on the move, someone in Greater London might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!”

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes in a sunny spot. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK. 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.

For more information and to take part:
Visit
 bigbutterflycount.org


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