Last summer, the people of Yorkshire united for a remarkable cause, spotting an astounding 68,280 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. Now, Butterfly Conservation, a dedicated wildlife conservation charity, is calling on the residents of Yorkshire to surpass this achievement in the current year.
In 2023, Yorkshire saw participation in 7,325 Big Butterfly Counts, with the Small White butterfly emerging as the most frequently sighted species. This year, scientists and conservationists are eager to see even greater participation to gain deeper insights into the region’s butterfly populations before the Count concludes on Sunday, August 4.
The Importance of Participation
Participation in the Big Butterfly Count is more crucial than ever. Analysis of 50 years of data has revealed a significant northward spread of many butterfly species, including the Peacock, Comma, and Holly Blue. This shift is attributed to climate change, which has created warmer habitats conducive to their survival.
Butterflies are vital indicators of the health of our natural environment. With half of Britain’s butterfly species currently threatened or near threatened with extinction, understanding their response to climate change is imperative for their conservation. The data collected from the Big Butterfly Count helps inform conservation efforts, government policies, and research aimed at protecting these delicate species.
A Call to Action
Dr. Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, emphasizes the critical need for widespread participation:
“We really need people across Yorkshire to get out for the Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies. We’re relying on everyone, everywhere to spend just 15 minutes outdoors and let us know what they see. With species on the move, someone in Yorkshire might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!”
How to Participate
The Big Butterfly Count is an accessible and enjoyable activity for everyone. Whether you participate with friends and family or enjoy a moment of solitude in nature, it only takes 15 minutes in a sunny spot to contribute valuable data.
The Count is open to individuals of all ages and can be conducted in any outdoor space, no matter how small. Back gardens, terraces, balconies, public parks, allotments, and country lanes all provide essential habitats for butterflies.
Last year, over 135,000 Counts took place across the UK. Participants spent a combined total of four years counting butterflies in various settings, from urban community spaces to the countryside. The data collected aids conservation projects and supports the work of experts dedicated to protecting our environment.
Get Involved
The 2024 Big Butterfly Count is already underway, running from Friday, July 12, to Sunday, August 4. To participate, simply visit the Big Butterfly Count website or download the free Big Butterfly Count app. Spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space, count the butterflies you see, and submit your findings to contribute to this significant conservation effort.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s come together once again and help Yorkshire beat last summer’s butterfly count. Your participation not only provides essential data but also raises awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation in the face of climate change.
