Help count and conserve butterflies this summer
Screen legend and passionate environmental campaigner Joanna Lumley has officially launched the Big Butterfly Count 2013 at WWT London Wetland Centre.
Joanna is encouraging wildlife lovers everywhere to get out and about and report butterfly sightings to Butterfly Conservation during the nationwide event, which runs until 11 August http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/
Their findings will feed into a national record, which can be used to determine whether populations are growing or declining, and WWT Wetland Centres – including the award-winning WWT Washington – are fantastic places for those interested in getting involved to see native butterflies.
The count comes as Butterfly Conservation president, Sir David Attenborough, warned that UK butterfly numbers are at a historic low, with 2012 being the worst year on record for UK butterflies.
Clearly struck by the natural beauty of WWT London Wetland Centre, Joanna urged everyone to step away from their screens and into the sunshine this summer.
“To have water near you is built into the human gene and everywhere you look there is water”, she said.
“Without everything you see here at London Wetland Centre - plants growing in profusion, wildlife, the sound of birds, butterflies bees and insects, the water filled with newts, frogs and small fishes, beetles and bugs - we as human beings can’t exist. It’s absolutely magic.”
WWT Washington Wetland Centre is a diverse mix of wetland, woodland and meadows, with recreated habitats that help support dozens of butterfly species; as well as mammals, birds and amphibians.
From now until 11 August, wannabe spotters can pick up a free Big Butterfly Count sheet at the admissions desk, giving you a truly worthwhile day out by recording the butterflies you see and reporting your important findings to Butterfly Conservation.
Happy spotting! :-)
