Big Butterfly Count: People asked to join in to help address extinction

Image source, EPA

As part of efforts to protect butterflies from extinction, people are being encouraged to count the number of butterflies they see.

Two-fifths of British butterflies are in danger, according to a report.

Spending 15 minutes outside is encouraged by the charity.

Climate change and pollution can be assessed by collecting data.

The Big Butterfly Count is supported by Sir David Attenborough and other people.

The event will allow scientists to understand how environmental changes are affecting insects.

The small tortoiseshell, a common butterfly, has fallen by 80% since 1976, making it one of the rare species at risk of extinction.

Last year, people across the UK submitted 150,000 sets of results to the count, more than ever before, but it also saw the lowest average number of butterflies in 13 years.

Princess Charlotte was photographed with a red admiral butterfly she found near her family's home in Norfolk.

Image source, Duchess of Cambridge

The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen science project involving insects in the world and provides us with a valuable snapshot of what is happening for butterflies.

It can act as an early-warning system, letting us know how various environmental changes are affecting insects, and allowing us to gather vital data from places that would otherwise be completely un recorded.

Spending time in nature is good for our mental health and can make us feel better.

It's good for you as well as benefiting butterflies by helping them gather the important data they need to understand how to protect them. It is a win-WIN situation for everyone.

The count runs from July 15 to August 7 and there is a website and app for people to send their findings.