Big Butterfly Count 2017
Sir David Attenborough has launched 2017's annual Big Butterfly Count at WWT London Wetland Centre.
You can take part by downloading a spotter's guide from Butterfly Conservation Trust's Big Butterfly Count website or downloading their app.
Butterfly numbers are declining generally and last year was particularly bad for them due to wet weather. But this year has been much drier and butterfly numbers are expected to bounce a bit - but the question is by how much? You can help find the answer by picking a sunny spot, watching for 15 minutes and logging any butterflies you see online.
Visit any of WWT's 10 wetland centres and reserves. We'll have spotter sheets on hand, wetlands are great places to spot butterflies.
Speaking at WWT London Wetland Centre, WWT Vice-President Sir David Attenborough said:
“Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is good for butterflies and it is also good for us all. The Count is good for butterflies because your sightings will tell us which species need help and in which areas we need to help them.
“But the Big Butterfly Count is also good for you because 15 minutes spent watching butterflies in the summer sunshine is priceless; spending time with butterflies lifts the spirits and reinvigorates that sense of wonder in the natural world.”
WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray CBE said:
“Butterfly spotting brings great immediate rewards. You get to see beautiful little animals, and by counting butterflies you can help them too. It’s a great activity for families getting outside on a summer’s day. That’s why we’re giving out spotter sheets at all our wetland centres across the UK.”
The Big Butterfly Count runs from 14 July to 6 August.
