With all these clouds it can sometimes feel like summer is winning at a game of hide and seek. However there is one tell tale sign that summer is truly here and that is the butterflies fluttering by and with the butterflies comes The Big Butterfly Count!
"The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and has rapidly become the world's biggest survey of butterflies."Why is it important?
Butterflies are one of our best biodiversity indicators because of their quick and sensitive responses to habitat and climate changes. Because of this, drops in the butterfly population can act as an early warning sign for other wildlife losses.As well as helping predict threats to other wildlife The Big Butterfly Count helps to identify trends in species that will help plan how to protect butterflies from extinction.
Here on the farm
We recognise the importance of biodiversity for the everyday running of the farm; where would we be without all of the bees pollinating our plants and ladybirds protecting our crops from aphids? Which is why we will be taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this year!Taking part
Taking part is easy you just need 15 minutes and a Butterfly Identification Chart . All you have to do is count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (and hopefully sunny) weather between the 14 July and 6 August. For more details and to sign up visit the Big Butterfly Website.Find out more about butterflies and how to protect them in the Ultimate Guide to Butterflies.
Get counting....
