Just 15 minutes on a favourably sunny day (what is one of those?) during those dates to record what butterflies you see can give valuable information to BC so they can determine what is happening to these wonderful pollinators!
Not only can the numbers of species tell us which are thriving and which are not but also butterflies are amazing biodiversity indicators - they can show what is happening environmentally and are strong indicators of forthcoming problems for other wildlife groups.
The survey can reveal which butterflies are in danger of extinction and help to protect those at risk whilst also giving detailed information on climate change.
You can take part anywhere, parks, schools, gardens even roof gardens - as long as you record the highest number of each species you see within that 15 minute slot.
You can also download an app for iOS or Android (sadly no Windows) phones from which you can also send in your results.
Otherwise you can send of your collected data via the website.
Stamp of Celebrity Approval
Sir David Attenborough, President of Butterfly Conservation, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Mike Dilger and Nick Baker, Vice Presidents of Butterfly Conservation and the actress Joanna Lumley OBE are all supporting this years count, so why not give it a go?
I have spotted that my local councils' are planting verges and center reservations with wildflowers - killing two birds with one stone this not only provides ideal environments for butterflies, bees and insects but the council saves money by not having to cut the roadsides #bonus!
You may have heard of the company Meadow in My Garden? Truly an inspirational site that offers its customers a vast range of wildlife enhancing products. Their wildflower mix can add color to any area and brighten any garden.Increasing the public awareness of just how important wildlife friendly flower meadows are, Meadow in My Garden make it priority.Our natural ecology is extremely fragile and it is companies like this that endeavours to only make it stronger.With products ranging from seed to bubble bath, you can find an array of gift ideas or garden/wildlife enhancing products. You can also take satisfaction in knowing that the company strives to incorporate these values into their company ethos:
- A team who offer professional expert knowledge and advice
- To have a positive impact on the people and communities with whom we work
- Committed to minimising the environmental impact of our activities
- Approachable, trustworthy, friendly and kind
- We donate all surplus seeds to schools & community projects
- Our packaging is fully recyclable and/or reusable
- We exhibit and speak at garden shows and festivals helping those without time and specialist knowledge to succeed.
Meadow in My Garden have kindly given me a box of Butterflies Mix to give away to one lucky reader! Enough to cover 7m2 ; this seed selection is Ideal for eco-friendly gardeners, thegarden’s friends rangeis not only beautiful, but also improves biodiversity.- * Through R&D, our mixtures help restore ecological balance in the garden. Biodiversity preserved, vegetable garden protected!
- * Containing mostly pollen and nectar-producing species, this range prevents the need for pesticides, as it attracts large numbers of pollinators and beneficial insects.
- * This meadow mixture offers shelter and an area in which butterflies can establish themselves.
- * 'Best Buy' in the Which? Gardening Tests - March 2015
To enter just fill in the Gleam app and make sure you answer the 2 part question in the comments section or your entry is void!
1. What is your favorite wildflower? 2. Will you be taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this year?a Rafflecopter giveaway
By entering this prize promotion, you accept and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions:1. The prize promotion is open to all UK & NI residents. The prize promotion is non-transferable or redeemable for cash (subject to availability). Employees (and their immediate family) of Meadow in My Garden or anyone else professionally connected with this prize promotion are not eligible to enter the competition. Any entries submitted by agents or third parties will be invalid and will not be accepted by the Promoter (www.lemonscake.co.uk)2. The prize will consist of ONE box of Butterflies Mix for 7m2 (All prizes are subject to availability).3. The prize promotion closing date is midnight on August 8th 2016 (the “Closing Date”) and any entries received after the Closing Date will not be accepted by the Promoter (www.lemonscake.co.uk).4. The winning entry will be selected at random on August 9th 2016 and the winner will be notified by Lemon within 7 days. To contact the prize winner we will use the email used by you when entering the prize promotion.5. If you are notified of a winning entry, you must confirm acceptance by email to claim your prize. If you do not reply to confirm acceptance within 28 days of being notified as a winner, we may offer your prize to someone else.6. Only one entry per person is permitted. No purchase is necessary to enter this prize promotion.7. The prize(s) must be taken as offered. No cash equivalent or other alternative prize(s) are available in whole or in part except as provided for in these terms and conditions. The Prize Provider (Meadow in My Garden) reserves the right to substitute prize(s) of an equivalent value should the prize(s) become unavailable for any reason. If any winner is not able for whatever reason to accept the prize(s), then the Promoter (www.lemonscake.co.uk) reserves the right to award the prize(s) to another participant.8. A list of winner(s)’ names and locations can be obtained by sending a SAE to the Prize Provider after August 9th July 2016.9. The decision of the Promoter (www.lemonscake.co.uk) is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the prize promotion.10. Promoter: www.lemonscake.co.uk Prize Provider: Meadow in My Garden Glenmoor, Pans Lane, Devizes SN10 5AWI was not compensated for this post by any third party and it is my honest opinion.Song for this POST
