This summer marks the tenth anniversary of the Big Butterfly Count, the world’s largest butterfly survey.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is calling on everyone to do as many 15-minute counts as possible between Friday 19 July and Sunday 11 August.

Last year a record 100,000 participants took part, spotting almost one million butterflies across the UK. This summer, experts are keen to see how common garden butterflies are faring, as despite many species bouncing back in the 2018 heatwave, colourful favourites such as the Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock both recorded poor years.

The Small Tortoiseshell suffered its worst summer in the history of the Big Butterfly Count with sightings falling by 32 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017.

The Count was launched last summer by Butterfly Conservation President, Sir David Attenborough, who said at the time: “Spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life, it enables us to experience joy and wonder, to slow down and to appreciate the wildlife that lives side-by-side with us.”

Butterfly Conservation Vice-President Chris Packham is following in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough by getting behind the campaign this year.

Chris said: “It’s easy to feel powerless when confronted with endless decline statistics from birds to bees to butterflies, but the fight for our environmental future starts with small acts, it starts with you.

“That’s why I urge you to take part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer. By taking part in the Count you are showing that our butterflies, our wildlife and our environment are worth fighting for.”

People can take part in their gardens or local parks, or get involved in one of the free events taking place across the country.