Take part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer

Sir David Attenborough is encouraging people across the UK to spend 15 minutes counting butterflies and moths this summer, helping scientists track the health of the natural world while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature.

“Butterflies are vitally important. Their presence acts as a barometer of the health of our environment. Their ongoing decline tells us that all is not well in the British countryside.”

These are the words of Sir David Attenborough, president of Butterfly Conservation, who is urging wildlife lovers to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, running from 17th July to 9th August.

The annual survey is the world’s largest citizen science project focused on butterflies and day-flying moths. By spending just 15 minutes counting insects in a garden, park, school field, balcony or countryside spot, participants can help scientists build a clearer picture of how wildlife is responding to climate change, habitat loss and changing weather patterns.

“It’s not too late to help,” says Sir David. “You can help ensure that butterflies still bring that sense of magic to our summertime by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count. The count will tell us if butterflies are recovering and let us know how they are faring in our back gardens, parks, fields, towns and cities. But more than that, the count brings us face to face with Britain’s wildlife stars living right under our noses. If you care about butterflies, make sure you take part.”

For many of us, butterflies are woven into childhood memories: peering into buddleia bushes, spotting cabbage whites in the vegetable patch or watching red admirals basking in the sunshine. Yet these delicate insects are far more than symbols of summer. They are among nature’s most important warning signs, with their fortunes closely linked to the health of the wider environment.

There’s good news for people taking part, too. Research has shown that spending time observing butterflies can improve mental wellbeing, helping to reduce anxiety and encouraging people to slow down and reconnect with nature.

“Butterflies really bring happiness and serenity when you observe them,” says artist Mel Seymour of melaniemosaics.co.uk, who has created butterfly mosaics for public spaces and care homes across the UK and beyond. “Please let some butterfly-friendly native wildflowers grow in your garden.”

Last year, more than 125,000 people took part in the Big Butterfly Count, recording a record 1.7 million butterflies and moths. The Red Admiral was the most commonly spotted species nationwide.

Across the south east, thousands of people got involved. In Berkshire, 2,190 participants recorded 26,041 butterflies and moths; Buckinghamshire saw 2,027 people record 24,654 sightings; Oxfordshire had 1,391 participants spotting 18,040 insects; Wiltshire recorded 33,913 sightings from 2,351 participants; while Surrey and Hampshire together contributed more than 128,000 sightings. In every county, the Large White was among the most frequently spotted butterflies.

Conservationists say every count matters, particularly after a year of unusual weather patterns. The combination of warm spring sunshine followed by wetter conditions may already be affecting butterfly numbers and behaviour, making this summer’s survey especially valuable.

One of the strengths of the Big Butterfly Count is its simplicity. No specialist knowledge is required and even the smallest outdoor space can become a wildlife haven. A few flower-filled pots on a balcony, a picnic in the park or a stroll along a country lane could reveal species worth recording.

Children often enjoy taking part most of all, turning the activity into a treasure hunt for peacocks, painted ladies, brimstones and other colourful visitors. Free identification charts and an easy-to-use smartphone app make it easy for beginners to get involved.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, says: “This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come.

“Butterflies are beautiful, yes – but they’re also incredibly important bioindicators. As they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it’s too late.

“If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty – we lose balance in our ecosystems, and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the count this summer.”

To take part, download the free app or butterfly identification chart at bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org. You can also find local walks and conservation events at butterfly-conservation.org/events.

And if you capture any beautiful butterfly photographs along the way, don’t forget to share them and tag @roundandaboutmag on Instagram.

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