The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and has rapidly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies.
We’d like to encourage residents at Heyford Park to take part in this project. You can take part once or multiple times, if you are out on a walk or sitting in your garden, just keep your eyes peeled for 15 minutes on a bright or sunny day and count how many types of butterflies and moths you see, results can be inputted into the Big Butterfly Count website or via the free app. https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
Why should we count butterflies?
We count butterflies because not only are they beautiful insects to be around but they are also extremely important. They are vital parts of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. However, they are under threat. Numbers of butterflies and moths in the UK have decreased significantly since the 1970s.
Butterfly declines are also an early warning for other wildlife losses. Butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists as they react very quickly to changes in their environment. Therefore, if their numbers are falling, then nature is in trouble. So tracking numbers of butterflies is crucial in the fight to conserve our natural world. That’s why taking part in this massive citizen science enterprise is of great importance not just for our butterflies but for the wider environment and biodiversity in general.
How can we support butterflies and moths?
If you’d like to support butterflies and moths there are some great hints and tips on the Butterfly Conservation website. Plant nectar rich plants in your gardens to support our pollinators. Moths are as important as butterflies in pollination so maybe also think about some night-scented plants to support moths as well.
A new art trail at Heyford Park
The Big Butterfly Count coincides with Heyford Park’s new health and art trail which is coming this autumn. This trail lays out walks around Heyford Park across two routes, one championed by a swift, and the other by a red admiral butterfly.
Having taken feedback from pupils at Heyford Park School, the trail features artworks of birds and insects including red kites, swifts and red admiral butterflies, alongside trees and plants such as elder, poppy flowers and roses.
Interactive elements including audio guides and physical activities can be prompted via QR codes at certain points of the trail.
