Summer Time Butterflies.

During June and early July 2023 there were plenty of flowers in bloom in England but not so many butterflies to be seen. Well, that's because many types of butterfly were late hatching this year. So, we haven't seen many commas or holly blues frequenting our gardens. Consequently, in July
there will be an explosion and we will see lots more around the flowers sipping their nectar.
Some butterflies have declined in numbers over the last few years but fortunately others have increased, such as the chalkhill blue butterflies and the marsh fritillary butterflies.
We can all play a part in recording how our favourite butterflies are doing by joining in the annual Big Butterfly Count. This year, this survey is running from Friday 14th July until Sunday 6th August. You should choose a site where you will do a 15 minute survey. This could be your garden, an unmown field or a piece of wild landscape like a marshland. You then keep a note of the number of different butterflies you see in this 15 minute spell.
I'm very glad to say that last year's survey showed that the numbers of gatekeepers, common bues, holly blues and commas are increasing.
Commas, with their crinkled wings, are enjoying the climate change that we are experiencing and becoming ever more prevalent.
You can take part in this year's survey by going to the Big Butterfly Count 2023 and submitting your results.
Please do help with this important survey so that we can do all we can to increase the numbers of different butterflies flitting around our gardens and bringing joy to our English summers.

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