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Last summer, enthusiastic 'citizen scientists' in Bedfordshire clocked an impressive 18,370 butterflies and day-flying moths during the Big Butterfly Count. This year, the wildlife conservation charity, Butterfly Conservation, is issuing a 'rallying cry' for even more participants to surpass last year's figures.
A Call to Action
In 2023, residents across Bedfordshire completed an astounding 1,656 Big Butterfly Counts, with the Red Admiral reigning supreme among species sightings. As the current Count progresses, organisers are hopeful that participation will skyrocket, providing invaluable data on the region’s butterfly populations before the Count concludes on Sunday, August 4.
The Impact of Climate Change
After analysing five decades of data, researchers at Butterfly Conservation have observed a distinct northward migration among many butterfly species, including garden favorites like the Peacock, Comma, and Holly Blue. This shift is attributed to climate change, which is creating warmer habitats conducive to the survival and spread of these species.
A Community Effort
Dr. Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, emphasises the importance of widespread community involvement: “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!”
How You Can Participate
Participation is open to anyone, regardless of age, and no green space is too insignificant. Whether it’s a back garden, a small terrace or balcony adorned with pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane, every sighting counts. The data collected from this initiative feeds into conservation projects, informs governmental policies, and supports experts in their ongoing research aimed at protecting our planet.
Get Involved Now
This year’s Big Butterfly Count is already in full swing, running from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, August 4. To join the effort and contribute your sightings, visit the official website here.
