Join in count to help butterflies

He is warning this year’s slow spring and washout summer could spell disaster for butterflies, as their chances to mate have been greatly reduced.

The Big Butterfly Count helps scientists chart the effects of poor weather conditions on widespread species.

“Last year’s wet and cold summer made life difficult for many of our butterflies and, coupled with this year’s late spring, our red admirals, small coppers, green-veined whites and speckled woods really need a boost of warm summer weather to enable them to thrive,” said Sir David.

“During my lifetime, I have seen first-hand how the UK’s once plentiful butterflies have dwindled and diminished, with some species even becoming extinct.

“This is a gloomy outlook but not one that is set in stone.

“We must make sure these losses are halted and reversed, but, in order to achieve this, we first need to find out as much information about our butterflies as possible.

“That is why taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is so important – it helps us build a picture of how butterflies are doing in our own neighbourhoods and what help they need from us.”

People are invited to a conservation day and Count at Chambers Farm Wood near Bardney on Wednesday, July 27, with a guided butterfly walk. A talk taking place at the same venue on Sunday, July 31.