Latest news with #BigButterflyCounts

Edinburgh Reporter

Last chance to count butterflies

People in Edinburgh and the Lothians have until Sunday to take part in the world's largest annual butterfly survey, after the colourful insects crashed last year. The charity Butterfly Conservation (BC) has urged Scots to take part in its annual Big Butterfly Count, which draws to a close this weekend. The citizen science survey helps assess the health of the environment by recording the number and type of butterflies and some day-flying moths spotted around the UK. Members of the public spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space counting the butterflies they see, and record their results. Over 7400 Big Butterfly Counts have been made in Scotland in the recent weeks as part of this year's survey. The Large White has been the most commonly recorded species so far, ahead of the Gatekeeper. The Small White, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral make up the top five. Half of Britain's butterfly species are currently threatened or near threatened with extinction. Butterfly Conservation declared a 'butterfly emergency' after last summer's survey returned the lowest numbers on record. A spokesman said: 'Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes but that can help to make a huge difference.' Peacock Trevor Goodfellow Like this: Like Related