The Isle of Wight has spoken and crowned the Peacock its favourite butterfly, now wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is calling on residents to get out for its annual Big Butterfly Count and report on how the showstopping species is faring.
As well as topping the county’s leaderboard, the Peacock reigned supreme across the nation, taking the title of Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in the first-ever vote on all 60 UK butterflies.
Completing the colourful cast of characters in the Isle of Wight’s top 5 were the Glanville Fritillary (2nd), uplifting Orange-tip in 3rd, Common Blue taking 4th, and fairy-like Holly Blue in 5th.
Now Butterfly Conservation wants to know how butterflies are faring across the county this Summer.
The charity is calling on everyone on the Isle of Wight to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, which kicks off on Friday 17th July and runs until Sunday 9th August, to help scientists see what’s happening with some of our most common and much-loved butterflies.
The world’s largest butterfly survey, the Big Butterfly Count asks people to spend just 15 minutes outdoors in a sunny spot, count the butterflies and day-flying moths they see, and submit their sightings via the free app or at www.bigbutterflycount.org.
How to take part
- Download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org
- Between Friday 17th July – Sunday 9th August spend 15 minutes in any sunny outdoor space and count the number and types of butterflies and day-flying moths you see.
- You don’t need to be an expert – use the free ID guide on the app and website to help you identify what you’ve seen.
- Log your sightings on the website or free app and help protect UK butterflies for future generations
