The world’s biggest survey of butterflies – the annual Big Butterfly Count – starts today.
Now in its 15th year the nationwide citizen project will close on Sunday 10 August giving those taking part just over three weeks to get involved.
Every year, Butterfly Conservation coordinates the Big Butterfly Count, inviting participants to count butterflies in their gardens and local green spaces.
Tens of thousands of people across the British Isles take part to monitor butterfly populations and help understand the health of our environment.
Butterflies are good environmental indicators due to their short life cycle and quick response to environmental changes. However, declining numbers of butterflies seen in the results of last year’s Big Butterfly Count led to the Butterfly Conservation charity declaring a nationwide Butterfly Emergency.
The charity said it is more important than ever that people take part in 2025 so they can monitor the situation.
20 species of butterfly have been found in Guernsey and Herm with another 10 migrant species also identified.
Monitoring the trends in all butterflies found in Guernsey is essential in understanding how the changing climate may be impacting the range of wildlife, said Angela Salmon, the Head of Operations and Education at the Nature Commission.
Last year 61 people in Guernsey took part in the Big Butterfly Count, with 89 counts and a total of 962 butterflies.
Ms Salmon is hoping they will take part this year too, along with anyone else who is keen.
“The Nature Commission would love lots of people to count butterflies for the Big Butterfly Count in July and August.
“In 2024, 61 people took part in this survey and it would be amazing if more people were involved this year.
“People love seeing butterflies and we want to keep seeing these beautiful insects for many years to come but last year some species were in serious trouble. Gathering information on Guernsey’s butterflies is vital to understand if our local species are declining or thriving.”
You can identify and record the butterflies you spot by visiting the Big Butterfly Count website or downloading the free Big Butterfly Count app.