Butterflies

The Big Butterfly Count - till 10 August

Butterfly numbers in the UK generally have declined over the last 40-50 years through changing land-management practices, and their numbers are an indication of the health of our countryside. The worst year on record was 2012, but their numbers rallied last summer due to good weather, and it is hoped that they will improve again this year.  

Between now and 10 August, the charity Butterfly Conservation is organising a Big Butterfly Count for members of the public to count the numbers of 21 common species they spot over a 15-minute period.  For information see here.

Butterfly-spotting on Aylesbeare Common nature reserve

You might also be interested in this Devon Wildlife Trust event on Aylesbeare Common on Sunday morning 3 August, looking not just at butterflies, but also at dragonflies and birds.

Help wanted

On our recent walk we saw Meadow Browns, Peacock, and Red Admiral butterflies, but do not have enough experience to identify any others.  If you are knowledgeable about butterflies and would like to contribute to this blog, especially now at the height of their season, please do get in touch.