Can you tell a Red Admiral, Comma, Tortoiseshell
from a Peacock or a Painted Lady?
Butterflies react very quickly to changes in their environment which makes them excellent biodiversity indicators. Butterfly declines are an early warning for other wildlife losses.
That’s why counting butterflies can be described as taking the pulse of nature.
The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping to assess the health of our environment – and every one can join in – it is running until the end of August.
To help, first log on to www.bigbutterflycount.org and download your butterfly identification chart, then spend a happy 15 mins in a sunny patch in your garden or park and count each type that you see. Results can then be entered onto the website.