The Big Butterfly count is on. Read on to find out why you should join in.
Butterflies play a crucial role in the UK ecosystem, contributing significantly to biodiversity, pollination, and serving as indicators of environmental health. Their importance extends across various ecological and economic dimensions:
Pollinators
Butterflies are essential pollinators. They transfer pollen as they feed on nectar, helping flowering plants including many crops and wildflowers, to reproduce. This also supports the growth of fruits, seeds, and the overall health of plants.
The food chain
Butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars) are an integral part of the food web. They serve as prey for various predators, including birds, bats and other insects. This role helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by supporting the survival and reproduction of these predators.
Biodiversity
The UK is home to around 59 species of butterflies, each occupying specific habitats and niches. These species add to the richness of the UK’s wildlife and provide aesthetic and educational value. The presence of a variety of butterflies can also support other wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, which feed on them or their larvae.
Indicators of Environmental Health
Butterflies are excellent bioindicators, meaning their presence, absence, or abundance can give scientists valuable insights into the health of the environment. Changes in butterfly populations can indicate shifts in climate, habitat quality, and the effects of pollution. This sensitivity makes butterflies useful in monitoring ecological changes and guiding conservation efforts.
The Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping scientists assess the health of the environment. It has run annually since 2010.
Since the 1970s, butterfly and moth numbers in the UK have significantly declined, signalling broader environmental issues. Tracking their numbers helps scientists monitor the health of nature and informs conservation efforts
Join in
By joining in on the count we are contributing to science, a science that is essential for conserving our natural world and overall biodiversity.
Download your butterfly ID chart below and hop on over to the Butterfly Count website to register and submit your count: Together we can do this.