Urgent Call to Action: Join Devon’s Big Butterfly Count Today!

UPDATE: Butterfly Conservation has launched an urgent appeal for the people of Devon to participate in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count, running until August 10. Residents of all ages are encouraged to take just 15 minutes outdoors to record the butterfly species they observe, contributing vital data to combat a growing environmental crisis.

This year’s count comes after alarming statistics revealed that only 52,545 butterflies and day-flying moths were spotted in Devon last summer, marking a record low. The charity has declared a nationwide ‘Butterfly Emergency’, highlighting the dire need for immediate action.

Dr. Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, emphasizes the critical role butterflies play as bio-indicators of ecosystem health. “As they continue to disappear, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world,” he warned. “We need to heed that warning and take action before it’s too late.”

The Big Butterfly Count is easy to join: simply download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org to obtain a butterfly ID chart. Participants can count and record as many butterflies as they can in their local parks, gardens, or during walks, contributing to an interactive map of butterfly sightings in the UK.

Last year, over 5,148 counts were conducted in Devon, with the gatekeeper butterfly being the most commonly observed species. This year, the charity aims to involve even more residents, from families and schoolchildren to office workers and dog walkers.

“If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer!” Dr. Fox urged. “Every count really does make a difference.” As butterflies face threats from pesticides, habitat loss, and extreme weather, public participation is more crucial than ever.

Devon’s butterfly population has declined by an astonishing 80% since the 1970s. The ongoing threats to these delicate creatures signal broader environmental issues that impact wildlife across the UK.

Join the movement today: take a break, step outside, and contribute to this vital conservation effort. Every observation counts in the fight to protect butterflies and restore balance to our ecosystems.

For more information, download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and help transform your local environment into a haven for butterflies this summer.