Big butterfly count 2013

The big butterfly count is on this weekend until 11th August. It is really important to the conservation of our indigenous species that we get an accurate count each year of the population, that way the experts can identify problem areas and species and try to positively affect their environment. At the big butterfly count website you can find a lot of information about how to take part, including a butterfly identification chart to download for free. The count is done over a 15 minute period during the heat of the day and you can enter as many different counts as you like, so this means you can count butterflies in your garden, then go to the park and count them there, and so on. It doesn't take much and is a great way  for  children to learn about butterflies. Butterflies are a wonderful insect to watch and you can encourage them into your garden with lots of interesting homes to tempt them to stay with you, take a look at our rage of butterfly and insect habitats for further information. [caption id="attachment_2754" align="alignleft" width="150"] This is the ultimate in observing butterflies and insects, a complete hotel for them all to stay in!