There is still time to take part in the world’s largest citizen science survey from 16-July to 8-August.

Run by Butterfly Conservation, this totally brilliant, public led survey takes place every summer in the UK – spend 15 minutes in the sunshine and count the butterflies that you see!Butterflies are a fantastic indicator of the natural environment around us, because of this environmentalists and conservationists can gain lots of info from their numbers in this annual survey. Butterfly numbers have declined since the 70’s with habitat loss and pesticide use and we are realising the knock on effect this can have to other species, especially smaller birds who feed their young with caterpillars.

Each year count helps scientists to assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see. Our help is needed to gather this data!

It’s really easy to take part…use the handy butterfly ID chart below or download the free app to identify and record the butterflies you spot.

You can count every day or just one day and it is a great thing to do with the kids on a walk or in the garden for 15 minutes. The chart will help you identify the ones you are most likely to see. You can submit your 2021 butterfly sightings until Sunday 8 August 2021.

Happy flutterings fellow citizen scientists!!!

All images © Butterfly Conservation. Six-spot Burnet by Ivan Lynas, Marbled White by Bob Eade, Peacock by Neil Hulme, Red Admiral by Mark Searle