We urge all readers of this website to do at least one 15-minute count for the ‘Big Butterfly Count’, which runs from 17 July to 9 August. This asks people all over the country to record butterflies over one quarter of an hour in any location they choose and send in the results via the Big Butterfly Count website.

This regular count is giving us some very valuable data about where various species of butterfly are being found, which helps us to help them flourish.

Around 45,000 people took part in last year’s Big Butterfly Count, spotting almost 560,000 butterflies, and we want this year’s count to be even better, so please join in!

Sir David Attenborough launches the Big Butterfly Count 2014, at London Wetland Centre, on 18 July 2014.

Our President, Sir David Attenborough, says:

“The UK’s butterflies really need your help this summer. Three-quarters are in decline and one-third in danger of extinction.

“The ongoing and alarming loss of their habitat is a major and worrying factor in their falling numbers.

“But by taking one simple step you can help to reverse this loss. Plant a few pots in your garden or on your window ledge with the right plants and you can provide butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects with a lifeline of food and shelter.

“It’s up to every single one of us to make sure that the spectacle of mid-summer butterflies remains a much anticipated highlight of the season rather than becoming a long-mourned memory. Make yours a butterfly summer by getting out for the Count.”

You can, of course, do more than one count, by moving to a different location, and you’ve got until 9 August to do it!