Get involved in this year's Big Butterfly Count
Residents across Leicestershire are being asked to count butterflies as part of a national survey.
The annual Big Butterfly Count, which started on Friday and goes through to Sunday August 9, asks people to spend 15 minutes outdoors in a sunny spot counting butterflies and day-flying moths they see, before submitting their sightings via a free app or website.
Organised by the Butterfly Conservation charity, it is aimed at giving important information to scientists when around 80 per cent of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years, the result of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.
The chariity’s head of engagement, Kate Merry, commented: “Butterflies are key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health, so every single person that takes part and submits their sightings is helping us to see how these vital pollinators are doing, which in turn helps conservationists build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are faring.
“It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies. Download the app, mark the date, and get ready to get out for the count.”
Leicestershire people recently crowned the Peacock its favourite butterfly in another survey, with the sunshine-yellow Brimstone in second, striking Red Admiral taking third, bright orange Comma in fourth, and Common Blue in fifth.
You don’t need to be an expert to take part in the Big Butterfly Count - use the free ID guide on the app or the website at www.bigbutterflycount.org to help you identify what you’ve seen.