Tag: nature

Big Butterfly Count: Where have all the butterflies gone?

Butterfly species hard hit by changeable weather patterns

Where have the butterflies gone? Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with urgent appeal for public’s help after disastrous spring weather.

Chris Packham and wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation are launching this year’s Big Butterfly Count today by asking people to help find and record butterflies across the UK.

Butterfly Conservation’s current records show that many species of butterflies have had a poor spring or a delay in their emergence following 2021’s unseasonably cold and wet weather.

The Speckled Wood was particularly low in numbers this spring, but the Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Green-veined White, Large White and Red Admiral were also all down in abundance compared with their 10-year average. How this will impact this summer’s butterflies is what the charity is asking people to find out, by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.

The weather in spring 2021 has been very challenging for many of the UK’s butterflies and moths. Although April was the sunniest on record, it was also very cold with a record number of frosts. This was then followed by the wettest May for over 50 years. Butterfly Conservation needs the public’s help to measure how these conditions have affected our butterflies and moths. 

The UK is experiencing an increasing number of extreme weather events, a likely result of climate change, and it’s important we learn the effect these changes have on our native butterfly species in order to understand the likely long-term impacts on biodiversity.

The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s annual three-week citizen science event. The UK-wide survey is open to everyone, of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside.

Taking part just requires you to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space (a great staycation activity) counting the amount and type of butterflies, and some day-flying moths, you see. It is easy to do and the more people who do it, the greater the benefits to our understanding of nature and how to help it. 

For those taking part in Scotland, a new species has been added to the Big Butterfly Count identification guide this year.

The Scotch Argus is common and widespread in Scotland but has declined in the southern part of its range, especially in England where it is reduced to just two isolated sites. Butterfly spotters in Scotland are encouraged to record their sightings of the Scotch Argus so that scientists might better understand changes in the population.

There were over 145,000 counts submitted to the Big Butterfly Count last year, more than ever before. Though worryingly, 2020 also saw the lowest average number of butterflies logged since the event began twelve years ago.

Chris Packham, Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster, says: “Biodiversity and climate crisis is an urgent issue and it can be overwhelming to think about what we can do as individuals to really make a difference.

“Because butterflies and moths make excellent indicators of the impacts of climate change and other human environmental factors, collecting data on their numbers is really important. So, something as simple as recording a butterfly spotted in your garden, at your local park or on your window box can play a part in vital research into a global problem. It’s a really valuable contribution everyone can make.”

Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation says: “The Big Butterfly Count, along with our other research work, is already showing us changes in the populations of our butterflies and moths. Climate change and other human-led impacts are causing some species to be found in new areas, while others are becoming harder to find in the UK at all.

“We really need the public’s help to understand what is happening to our butterfly and moth populations. It’s a small but crucial thing everyone can do. This information will not only help us to protect these species, but also to inform what effect the changing climate is having on our biodiversity.”

Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is something anyone of any age or ability can do, in any outdoor space. It provides a real contribution to science and our understanding of butterfly and moth populations in the UK.

This year the Big Butterfly Count is sponsored by garden wildlife specialist Vivara and the DFN Foundation, a commissioning charity focused on influencing sustainable change in special needs education, supported employment, healthcare and conservation.

Bastiaan de Jong, COO of Vivara said: “Back gardens can provide essential pit-stops for insects and are perfect locations for butterfly spotting.

“Whatever space you have, make it inviting to wildlife and enjoy doing your bit for nature on your doorstep. So join in and ‘get out for the count’ to see just which butterflies love your garden!”

David Forbes Nixon OBE, Chairman of the DFN Foundation, said: “We are once again thrilled to be the official co-sponsor of the Big Butterfly Count and look forward to continuing our work with Butterfly Conservation to identify trends in species that will help us plan how to protect butterflies from extinction.

“Last year saw more submissions to the Big Butterfly Count than ever before and it was wonderful to see this engagement even in the midst of the pandemic. Now, as we continue to follow the roadmap out of lockdown, we have a huge opportunity to build on this momentum and engage with even more people of all ages across the country on connecting with nature in a positive and meaningful way. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into even greater focus the need to help improve our whole environment for wildlife and enrich the lives of people now and in the future.”

This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from the 16th July to the 8th August.

For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

WWF celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s outstanding contributions to global conservation

Sir David Attenborough, world renowned naturalist, writer and broadcaster, has been named the recipient of WWF’s Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award which honours and recognizes outstanding contributions made to the global conservation movement.

For over 60 years, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world to our screens and into our homes, completely transforming our view of the wild world and inspiring action for our planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats.

His extraordinary broadcasting career began when he joined BBC Television in 1952. From his first ever documentary series to the more recent A Life On Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough has become synonymous with natural history programming.

His lifelong ambition has been to create societal affinity with the natural world through his work and he has been a strong advocate for the need to translate this affinity into real, collective action to protect our planet. 

“Sir David Attenborough has been a passionate champion for the natural world, dedicating his life to inspiring hundreds of millions around the world to love and care for nature and wildlife. Across more than 60 years, his universal appeal has transcended generations and borders,” said Pavan Sukhdev, President of WWF International.

“With nature in crisis like never before, we need everyone on the planet to be a voice for nature and Sir David Attenborough has been a shining example of that advocacy. He has been integral in explaining nature to audiences and inspiring action for our planet, our one shared home.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award carries particular poignancy this year given the passing of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh in April.

Prince Philip – who would have turned 100 today – was a pivotal patron of WWF, serving as a passionate voice, advocate and champion for the organization’s work from its creation and particularly as WWF International’s President from 1981 to 1996. The Prince was also the first president of WWF-UK, from its founding in 1961 until 1982.

In 1970, WWF established its prestigious award, eponymously named the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award, to recognize and encourage significant achievement in the global environmental field.

Sir David said: “It is a particular honour to receive an award that carries the name of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was a great pioneer of the conservation movement both in the UK and internationally.

“His concern for the natural world came from a deep knowledge and understanding, and his energy, advocacy and ability to reach leaders and people all around the world was an inspiration.”

This year WWF marks 60 years of conservation impact and its mission has only grown in relevance and scope over the last six decades, expanding from the protection of species and places to a systemic approach to nature conservation and sustainable development, partnering with others to address the conservation at scale of wildlife, forests, ocean and freshwater systems and to tackle the main drivers of nature loss.

Today WWF is calling for urgent action to address the global climate and nature crises and ensure a sustainable future for all. The conservation movement, along with world leaders, businesses and communities will have to achieve more in the next 10 years than in the last 60.

Sir David added: “The natural world has never been in greater need of help than it is today. I have seen the damage we have done to it myself. The good news is more and more people are beginning to recognise the threat of impending catastrophe.

“But there is a long way to go and time is running out. It will be the next generation that determines the future of our planet, and the passion of young people that will ensure that change happens.” 

Dobbies hosts bee-rilliant virtual event with Neal’s Yard Remedies to celebrate World Bee Day

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is marking World Bee Day (20 May) for Edinburgh customers with a virtual event hosted by natural and organic health and beauty company, Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Following on from the recent launch of their #sustainabledobbies campaign, the experts at Dobbies Garden Centres are teaming up with Neal’s Yard Remedies in this virtual event, to share top tips on making Edinburgh gardens a bee-friendly haven.

Bees are one of the most vital elements of our eco-system, but with several species now in decline, it’s more important than ever that we all play our part to support these precious pollinators, and World Bee Day serves as a timely reminder to celebrate their significance in our daily lives.

The virtual event will start at 7pm on 20 May, and will be hosted by Tipper Lewis, Brand Ambassador for Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Tipper will provide attendees with top tips on the best blooms for bees, and share advice on how to maximise a garden’s ‘pollen power’, so that everyone can play their part in creating a sanctuary for bees in their gardens this summer.

Tipper will also introduce guests to Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Bee Lovely product range, which is lovingly crafted with ingredients such as honey and beeswax. Every purchase from the Bee Lovely collection helps to support bees across the world, with a percentage of each purchase donated to bee-friendly charities. Lucky attendees will also be given the chance to experience the range for themselves too, with the opportunity to win one of five Bee Lovely ‘Head to Toe’ gift sets during the event.

Alongside this, Tipper will be on hand to answer any questions viewers may have, including advice on the best blooms and bushes to plant to attract bees, and how to ensure that gardening techniques are sustainable and bee-friendly at every turn.

Tipper Lewis, Brand Ambassador for Neal’s Yard Remedies, said: “Bees are hugely vital to so many things in our daily lives, from the food we eat to the flowers in our gardens and even the skincare we use.

“The team at Neal’s Yard Remedies and I are very excited to share our knowledge, passion and love for bees of all kinds with Dobbies’ Edinburgh customers, and we hope they’ll enjoy learning more about them as we celebrate World Bee Day.”

The Neal’s Yard Remedies expert event is part of a series of free virtual events that Dobbies is hosting this Spring. Following a successful programme of Facebook Live sessions in 2020, they provide a virtual alternative to regular events usually hosted instore.

Further events have already been announced for the coming weeks, including a virtual event on roses, Britain’s favourite flower, hosted by Dobbies’ Horticulture Director, Marcus Eyles.

Advance booking is essential for the virtual events, which are hosted on Microsoft Teams, making it quick and simple for viewers to log on and join in the event from the comfort of their homes.

The sessions are free of charge and exclusively available to Dobbies Club members. For those who aren’t yet members of Dobbies Club, membership is free and signing up is quick and simple, giving access to a variety of benefits, special offers and exclusive events. To sign up visit dobbies.com

To sign up for the Dobbies virtual event with Neals Yard Remedies, visit https://www.dobbies.com/content/events.html

Mental Health Awareness Week

10th – 16th MAY

Why Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

In the first lockdown, I called an elderly friend (writes MARK ROWLAND, Chief Executive of Mental Health Foundation). She lives alone and had recently had a fall. Separated from her community, she had lost all in-person contact.

When I asked her how she had got through it, she told me it was taking daily comfort from watching the birds sing to each other on the fence and the flowers re-emerge from the frosts of winter.

During long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Our research on the mental health impacts of the pandemic showed going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies and 45% of us reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.

Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%. Wider studies also found that during lockdowns, people not only spent more time in nature but were noticing it more.

It was as if we were re-discovering at our most fragile point our fundamental human need to connect with nature.

Nature and our mental health

Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world.

For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature.

And it is only since a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster, that science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits.

During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, we will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. We will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. 

It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. 

We will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.

Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.

Despite this, many of us are not accessing or benefitting from nature. Teenagers in particular appear to be less connected with nature and around 13% of UK households have no access to a garden.

We want to challenge the disparities in who is and who isn’t able to experience nature. Nature is not a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.

Local and national governments need to consider their role in making this a reality for everyone, and we will be talking about how they can do so during the week.

What are the goals for the week?

We have two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.

2021 is going be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.

There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.

What you can do

Stories are the best tools we have to influence change. Unless we can demonstrate nature’s role in bringing solace and joy to our lives, it will remain under-valued and under-utilised.

We want to hear your stories of how nature has supported your mental health. This might be as a simple as tending to a house plant, listening to the birds, touching the bark of trees, smelling flowers or writing a poem about our favourite nature spot.

Whatever it is for you, we invite you to #ConnectWithNature and share what this means for you.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we are asking you to do three things: 

  • Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
  • Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
  • Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 

Dobbies teams up with the RSPB for latest podcast episode

Edinburgh residents encouraged to protect local garden wildlife

Dobbies Garden Centres has teamed up with the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, to release its latest podcast episode. The podcast is available to listen to now (Wednesday 24 March) and takes a look at how we can all protect and care for our local garden wildlife.

In the latest episode, podcast host and gardening writer Louise Midgley is joined by RSPB Conservation Officer, Ally Lemon, with the pair discussing how we can all make small changes to protect our garden wildlife. As well as practical advice on caring for our birds, insects and pollinators, the episode also has some handy tips on how to make a welcoming habitat for local species.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “With spring just around the corner a lot of us will be preparing our gardens for the warmer months, and we can all do our bit to make our outdoor spaces more wildlife friendly.

“Helping nature starts at home, and no matter how big or small your garden, we can all create a suitable home for garden wildlife. We hope people across Edinburgh will welcome local wildlife into their gardens.”

The RSPB is inspiring everyone to give nature a home, and with just a little planning we can all provide safe havens for local wildlife to feed, breed and hibernate in our gardens. Following the charity’s Big Garden Birdwatch initiative in January, this year the RSPB are looking to inspire more and more people to garden for nature on their doorstep and engage in more wildlife-friendly practices in their garden, balconies and local communities

Ally Lemon, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, said: “No matter the size or type of outdoor space you have, whether it is a rural garden or a city balcony, everyone can help wildlife in their local area.

“There are loads of things people can do to invite wildlife into their outdoor spaces, from planting some wildflowers in flowerpots, putting up some bird boxes or creating a pond. Small steps can give nature a helping hand.”

So far, Dobbies’ podcast series has covered a host of topics, with everything from seasonal spring gardening tips and practical advice for beginners, to growing your own produce and caring for houseplants.

Dobbies products to make your garden wildlife friendly:

Henry Bell Heritage Fat Ball Feeder, £14.99; Henry Bell Decorative Stake Feeder, £19.99; Henry Bell Elegance Nesting Box, £14.99.

For more ideas: https://www.dobbies.com/gardening/wildlife

Dobbies’ podcast is available to listen to and download now via iTunes and Spotify https://www.dobbies.com/content/podcast.html

To learn more about the RSPB and its work, visit rspb.org.uk

For more information visit dobbies.com

South West Tenerife becomes Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site

A wee bit away from North Edinburgh, but a destination to dream about if we ever have foreign holidays again …

South West Tenerife has become Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site, a global certification developed by the World Cetacean Alliance and supported by World Animal Protection, that recognises outstanding destinations for responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching.

The site at Tenerife-La Gomera Marine area offers tourists an easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching in the wild and gives the travel industry a way to move away from selling wildlife entertainment activities and select ethical practices instead.

Tenerife is popular with UK tourists and a famous spot to see whales and dolphins in the wild. The accreditation of the site in South West Tenerife recognises the community´s commitment to respect and celebrate these animals. Twenty-eight cetacean species can be found in the island’s waters including short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.

This site and one in Dana Point, California, USA also announced today, join the only other two Whale Heritage Sites in the world: The Bluff, South Africa and Hervey Bay, Australia.

“Whale Heritage Sites play a vital role in showing a responsible and sustainable alternative to wildlife entertainment activities,” said Katheryn Wise, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection. 

“While travel is temporarily on hold for most of us, when it does resume it is up to all of us to make responsible choices. These sites will help promote tour operators who protect the welfare of marine wildlife while offering tourists the chance to experience these animals free and thriving in the wild, where they belong.”

Elizabeth Cuevas, Whale Heritage Sites Manager at World Cetacean Alliance, said: “The designation of Europe’s first Whale Heritage site is a wonderful step forward for responsible tourism.

“We believe the site is fast becoming a world leader in sustainable whale and dolphin watching and this certification will help the local community by recognizing responsible whale watching practices supported by the latest research and conservation efforts.”

Becoming a Whale Heritage Site will ensure that visitors are contributing to destinations that celebrate their natural heritage, protect marine wildlife and build a connection between local residents and sea life.

In addition to the opportunity to observe cetaceans, vibrant festivals and other events celebrate the marine environment and provide education and inspiration for tourists and locals alike.

Tenerife-La Gomera Marine area´s location in tourist hot-spot Tenerife is popular with the island’s 6 million annual visitors1. The importance of the tourist industry to the local area is reflected in the local and national regulatory frameworks, which provide formal protection of the marine ecosystem, with two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and a strong legislative framework protecting cetaceans.

To qualify for Whale Heritage Site accreditation, candidate destinations must meet set criteria which recognises their commitment to cetacean conservation through responsible wildlife interactions and sustainability. These include:

  • Encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence
  • Celebrating cetaceans
  • Environmental, social and economic sustainability
  • Research, education and awareness

In meeting Whale Heritage Site criteria, sites must take into account information relating to the relevant local cetacean populations including their status, numbers, biology, habitat, behaviour and welfare.

For more information about Whale Heritage Sites visit WhaleHeritageSites.org

Pictures: Francis Perez

Take part in Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend

Big Garden Birdwatch is finally here! We’d love you to take part.

In your hour of watching, you’ll get to see the fascinating antics of your garden birds. From squabbling starlings, lively long-tailed tits to fluttering blue tits, you never know what will show up until you start looking, and it changes every minute!

Your Birdwatch creates a fascinating snapshot of how our garden birds are faring, and these add together to create an impressive big picture of garden birds all over the UK. We’d love you to add your sightings to the picture! Many of us have grown closer to nature over the past year – and Big Garden Birdwatch is an amazing way to celebrate that.

Of course, there’s always the chance that you don’t see anything during your Birdwatch. That’s fine – we’d still like to know, as it’s useful information for us. But we hope your hour is full of drama and perhaps even surprise! We’d love to hear your Birdwatch stories.

Share and join in the Birdwatch chat at #BigGardenBirdwatch

You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch until 19 February.

Six ways to help look after wildlife this autumn

Gardeners are being urged to hang out fat balls and avoid turning their compost heaps in order to help wildlife this autumn.

Gardening experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared six tips to help look after autumn wildlife.

From the humble hedgehog to toads and frogs, wildlife found in gardens across the country are starting to adapt and prepare for the winter ahead.

Ensuring the animals have access to food, water and shelter will mean they have a much better chance of surviving the winter.

A spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “When it turns to autumn many of us start to change our house in order to make it cosy for winter.

“Our wildlife is just the same, but unfortunately for them winter can be some of the most dangerous months.

“By changing a few things in our gardens, we can help make life easier for the wildlife as well as giving them somewhere to feel safe.”

These are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips to look after autumn wildlife:

1. Food

Placing food out for animals to eat without needing to hunt or scavenge is a simple but effective way to look after local wildlife. Place fat balls or blocks out for birds along with grain and nuts to keep them going through the winter months.

2. Bonfires

Although big community bonfires won’t be happening this year, if you’re planning one at home it’s important to check for all animals and wildlife before setting it alight. These can include hedgehogs, toads and frogs. Prod underneath the bonfire with a stick to encourage the animals to move before you strike a match.

3. Compost Heap

Compost heaps are a great place for hibernating animals to live due to the warmth it can provide. Take caution when turning your heap, or if you’re able to try and avoid turning it at all, or as much as normal, during the cold winter months.

4. Ponds

If you have a pond and see it frozen over, try and melt a hole in the middle so that the animals can still find a source of water. Do this by using a saucepan full of hot water. Don’t hit or crack the ice as this can cause shockwaves causing potential damage to the animals in the pond. If you don’t have a pond, a little dish of water at ground level will be a great source of water.

5. Berries

If you have any berry or fruit trees in your garden, ensure you leave some fallen fruit and berries untouched. By doing so, birds such as thrushes and blackbirds can enjoy food before winter hits. Traditional hedgerow berries such as blackberries, sloes and rosehips will provide food for birds during the colder months.

6. Bug hotels

Building a bug hotel with pieces of wood and leftover bricks and other materials will provide a safe place for bugs to call home. It can be as small or as big as you like and can be as simple as a pile of logs.

Concern as Big Butterfly Count sees lowest numbers of butterflies recorded in 11 years

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has released data about the number of butterflies counted in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (17th July – 9th August).

Worryingly this summer’s Count has seen a reduction in the average number of butterflies logged per count of -34% in comparison with 2019 and the lowest average number of butterflies logged overall since the event began eleven years ago. In all, during this year’s Big Butterfly Count, over 1.4 million butterflies were counted across the UK.

Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation said: “Unfortunately, this summer has not seen an abundance of butterflies, across the UK. We do see peaks and troughs of butterfly numbers each year (last year for example we saw a huge influx of migrant Painted Lady butterflies), so the data from the Big Butterfly Count is an important snapshot which, along with our other monitoring schemes, helps our understanding of the rates of decline of butterflies and moths.

“Coming so shortly after the recent WWF and UN reports on the global biodiversity crisis these 2020 results illustrate the perilous state of wildlife in the UK. However, the fact that so many people take part in this exciting citizen science initiative is encouraging and makes a huge difference to our understanding of how the natural world is responding to the crisis it is in.

“Now we need to see initiatives both here and across the world to put nature on a path to recovery.

“The fall in butterfly numbers this summer may be due to a number of factors. An unusually warm spring led many species to emerge earlier than usual. So we may have only caught the tail-end of the flight period for many species during this year’s Big Butterfly Count. It’s important to look at butterfly trends over longer periods, so our scientists will be using these results alongside our other datasets to get a clearer understanding of what is happening.”

Encouragingly, 2020 also saw the highest number of butterfly sightings ever submitted by the general public with 111,628 participants submitting a record-breaking 145,249 counts this year, an increase of 25% on 2019.

It seems that, in a very dark and challenging year, the opportunity for getting out into nature and helping as citizen scientists was very welcome to people who were able to participate in the Count this year. Butterfly Conservation is thrilled the event was enjoyed by so many people.

A total of 4,188 counts were submitted by 3,207 participants in Scotland. The most widely counted butterfly in the Big Butterfly Count in Scotland was Small Tortoiseshell, almost 5,000 individuals were seen, giving it pole position in the rankings.

Small Tortoiseshell generally fares better in Scotland and Northern Ireland than other UK countries in the Big Butterfly Count. On average, participants in Scotland saw three times as many Small Tortoiseshells per Count than people in England.

A recent study has shown that in each of the last four years, a substantial majority of Small Tortoiseshells are in hibernation well before the end of the Big Butterfly Count in south-east England. This suggests that climate change may be having an impact on this species in the south.

While the decline of ecosystems across the world is a cause for great concern, it’s also possible to see the power of joint positive action in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.

As more and more people take an interest in nature and submit their sightings Butterfly Conservation can continue its research and work to protect butterflies, moths and the environment through closer understanding of the issues they face and finding the solutions to help.

Butterflies and moths are incredibly valuable indicators of the health of our environment. Their declines show not only the effects of human behaviour on the world around us but also the changing patterns of our weather.

As well as being important and beautiful creatures in themselves, they play key roles in the ecosystems of birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants as food, population controllers and pollinators. Their conservation is vitally important.

Julie Williams CEO of Butterfly Conservation says: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Big Butterfly Count this year. This important data is so valuable to our ongoing and vital research helping us to understand what is happening to our butterflies and moths so we can take focused action to protect these fantastic insects and conserve them for future generations.”

BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT 2020

Big-Butterfly-Count-Results-ScotlandDownload