Butterfly Count 2022: What is it and when does it start?
SITTING out in the sunshine can boost your spirits and get you a tan but taking part in the Big Butterfly Count at the same time could help the environment.
It is super easy to take part in the Big Butterfly Count, here's everything you need to know.
What is the Butterfly count 2022?
The Big Butterfly Count is an annual project run by Butterfly Conservation.
Since launching in 2010, the UK-wide survey has become the largest in the world for butterflies.
The premise is simple - just ask the public to record sightings of 17 species of butterflies and moths every summer.
Over three weeks, Brits head into their gardens, parks and local wildlife areas to spot fluttering wings.
The scheme aims to assess the size of butterfly populations for each species, which helps conservationists in the UK.
The butterfly and moth population in the UK has been in decline since the 1970s so the project is important to help protect the species and prevent extinction.
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In the UK, 70% of species are declining in occurrence and 57% declining in abundance due to a multitude of factors.
Butterfly numbers can indicate the health of the general wildlife population so tracking their numbers can have wider implications on the environment.
The project's website describes the nationwide survey as ''taking the pulse of nature'' in a bid to ''assess how much help nature needs'.'
When does it start?
The Big Butterfly Count will run from Friday, July 15, 2022, to Sunday, August 7, 2022.
According to the scheme's this time of year is chosen because most butterflies are at the adult stage of their life cycle, essentially more likely to be seen.
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In 2021, over 107,000 people took part, submitting 152,039 counts of butterflies and day-flying moths from across the UK.
Such wealth of data can help assess the overall population and butterfly health, which helps the environmental conservation efforts.
How can I take part in the Great British Butterfly Count 2022?
Those who want to participate in the Butterfly Count first should download the butterfly identification chart in order to be able to identify and record the they spot.
Next, they should pick the location to spot butterflies and moths such as a garden, a forest or park.
They are asked to observe and count different species of butterflies for 15 minutes preferably during bright weather.
Then butterfly watchers can report their counts on the or via the app.
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They can also check an interactive to see how their data is contributing to conservation science and research.
Those who do not spot any butterflies are also urged to report it as it can be a sign of a wider problem.
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