Help stop butterflies fluttering away from our gardens for good

ANNUAL COUNT COINCIDES WITH TIPS TO CREATE WILDLIFE HAVENS OUTSIDE OUR HOMES

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WITH lighter evenings and trees in full blossom, it’s clear that summer is nearly here - a perfect reminder to start getting your garden ready for Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

After the declaration of a ‘butterfly emergency’ last year, it's more important than ever to create a wildlife-friendly garden.

The Big Butterfly Count, running from July 18 to August 10, invites everyone in the UK, from countryside dwellers to city residents, to participate in counting butterflies.

Research shows that 80 per cent of butterflies have declined since the 1970s and the Big Butterfly Count is a quick and easy way for people to take action for their survival.

Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Following last summer's Big Butterfly Count results, which showed a significant decline in the number of butterflies participants observed, we need everyone to get involved this year.

“Will butterflies bounce back or will their populations continue to decline following a terrible year in 2024?

“Your counts will help to give us a clear picture and anything you can do to make your garden more butterfly-friendly increases the chances of butterflies surviving, and your chances of seeing them in your garden.”