A national project collecting important scientific data is beginning in Guernsey this week.
‘The Big Butterfly Count’ is back for its 17th year to help researchers understand the biodiversity of the British Islands – and anyone can take part.
Starting this Friday 17 July until Sunday 9 August, participants will need to visit the Big Butter Fly Count’s website or download their app.
By spending 15 minutes outdoors and counting any butterflies that pass you by, you will be able to support research that is “vital” to help understand what is happening to our environment.
Angela Salmon, Head of Operations and Education at the Nature Commission, said: “The Nature Commission would love individuals and families to count butterflies for the Big Butterfly Count in July and August.”
“In recent weeks, I have visited many primary schools to promote this survey and spoken to more than 1,500 children so we’re hoping many families will enjoy taking part this year,” she added.
In Guernsey and Herm, 30 species of butterflies can be found.
Their presence, or absence, can indicate how ecosystems are being affected by the changing climate.
Last year, more people took part that ever before – 295 compared to 89 the previous year – which organisers say shows people are becoming interested in the environments that they live in.
