Big Butterfly Count

The organisers of the Big Butterfly Count say that butterflies react very quickly to change in their environment which makes them excellent biodiversity indicators. That’s why they think that counting butterflies is taking the pulse of nature.

The count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping to assess the health of the environment. It was launched in 2010 when 10,000 people took part, counting 210,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the nation.

This year's big butterfly count runs from 16th-31st July 2011.

Taking part involves counting butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather from 16th to 31st July 2011. Records are welcome from anywhere: from parks, school grounds and gardens, to fields and forests.

Find out more at www.bigbutterflycount.org