Last summer, ‘citizen scientists’ in Bedfordshire spotted 18,370 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count and are now being called upon to beat that figure this year.
This year, wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing a ‘rallying cry’ for even more people to help.
In 2023, people across Bedfordshire completed 1,656 Big Butterfly Counts, with the Red Admiral taking the top spot for species sightings.
Now, organisers are hoping even more people will take part to help find out what’s happening with the region’s butterflies before the Count ends on Sunday 4 August.
After analysing 50 years of data, researchers for the charity have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation said: “We really need people across Bedfordshire 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 Bedfordshire might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!”
It is open to anyone, of any age and no green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all relevant spaces to explore, track and report.
The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, and government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
This year’s Big Butterfly Count is already underway, running from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
You can get more information or to take part here.
