You can do your bit to help with conservation over the weekend.
There are around 60 species of butterfly and 2,500 species of moths in the UK, with more establishing every decade following migration from continental Europe. They are found from the shoreline to mountain top, and occur in a wide variety of habitats. Their caterpillars feed mainly on plants, but some moth species feed on roots, lichens and algae as well as other substances such wood and fur. Many species depend on a narrow range of plants or food types for their survival.
Butterflies and moths are one of the most threatened groups of wildlife. In the last 100 years, nearly 70 species have become extinct (4 butterflies and 65 moths). Our recording programmes show that around two-thirds of species are declining and over 170 species are threatened and listed as Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Save our butterflies, moths and the environment by just taking 10-15 minutes of your time, enjoy the sunshine, get the kids involved to see how many butterflies and moths you can find in your garden or surrounding area or parklands.
Jot down your findings and nip to
Big Butterfly Count 2013
The Big Butterfly Count will be absolutely fabulous this year with the help of Joanna Lumley. The ‘Ab Fab’ actress, a Marks & Spencer Sustainability Champion, is urging everyone who loves nature to spare 15 minutes to take part in the Count.
New this year is a free smartphone app for Big Butterfly Count. Now you can carry out and submit your Count all in one go while out and about watching butterflies. Now available for iOS and coming soon for Android.
Attenborough – “Get Out For The Count”
Butterfly Conservation President Sir David Attenborough is urging all wildlife lovers to help take the pulse of UK nature by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer.
Make Your Camera Count
Take a camera on your Count and you could win the first ever Big Butterfly Count photo competition. They are looking for great butterfly images taken on a camera or mobile phone. You can enter as many times as you like but photos must be of Count species.
ID Butterfly A-Z
Need some help with Identification
Quick drop down colour charts to help you quickly identify your beautiful finds.
Do you want to make a permanent difference then take advantage of half price membership celebrating the first Butterfly Count!