The annual Big Butterfly Count returns for another year, starting on Friday 17^th July and finishing on Sunday 9^th August. Coordinated by the Butterfly Conservation charity, it is a nationwide citizen science project inviting participants across the nation to count butterflies in their gardens and local green spaces. Launched in 2010, with the aim at helping assess the health of our environment, it has rapidly become the world’s largest butterfly survey.

Not only are butterflies fascinating creatures, but they are also extremely important. They are highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and play a vital role in our ecosystem, as both pollinators and components of the food chain. However, they are under threat. The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report found that 80% of butterfly species in the UK have declined since the 1970s. If their numbers are falling, then nature is in trouble. This is why tracking numbers of butterflies is crucial to conserve our natural world. The data from these counts can help identify important trends and assist in planning how to protect our butterflies. 

Across Guernsey and Herm, a total of 30 species of butterflies are found, including 10 migrant species that have also been recorded. Monitoring the trends in butterflies found in Guernsey is essential in understanding how our changing climate may be impacting the ecosystem and the wildlife found within. Last year’s Big Butterfly Count saw a huge increase in the total number of counts recorded in Guernsey. A total of 295 counts were completed, compared to 89 in 2024. This is a great success story for citizen science within our island, showing that more people are getting engaged and wanting to help understand and protect the islands’ natural environment. 

Taking part is simple. You can get started by visiting the Big Butterfly Count website, or by downloading the free Big Butterfly Count app. Here you can find a quick guide on how to complete your count, as well as access to a handy identification chart for you to download. Simply spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot counting the butterflies that you see. This can be done from anywhere, whether it be in your garden, at your local park or in fields and along the cliff paths. If you don’t see any butterflies, then don’t worry, it’s also important to record that too. By taking part, not only are you contributing to important scientific research, but it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to learn more about the wildlife on our doorstep.