Gardeners in Dorset are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count.
British Garden Centres is backing Butterfly Conservation’s annual project and hopes to inspire people to make small changes in their gardens to support butterfly populations.
Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, said: “No matter the size of your garden, you can make a real difference to the UK’s butterfly population.
“By choosing the right plants and avoiding pesticides, anyone can turn their outdoor space into a haven for butterflies and taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is a brilliant way to get the whole family outside this summer.”
Small tortoiseshell butterfly on lavender (Image: Matt Berry/Butterfly Conservation)
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The call to action follows a major Butterfly Conservation report which found that 75 per cent of butterflies have declined over the past decade, with habitat loss, land use, and climate change identified as the main drivers.
To help build a clearer picture of butterfly health in the UK, the charity is asking people to spend just 15 minutes counting the butterflies they see and submitting their findings.
In support of the count, British Garden Centres has shared advice on creating butterfly-friendly spaces at home.
The group recommends installing a dedicated butterfly house, ideally one with three vertical openings to allow butterflies easy access.
Feeding is also important.
Gardeners are advised to place ripe fruit such as bananas or oranges on a plate or add a sugar-soaked sponge inside the butterfly house.
Access to fresh water is equally important.
A bird bath or a shallow dish with stones for butterflies to land on will encourage repeat visits.
Butterflies need warmth to fly, so placing a broad, flat stone in a sunny, sheltered spot will give them somewhere to bask.
As chemicals can be harmful, the company also advises using organic pest control methods and avoiding pesticides altogether.
Planting the right flowers is key to attracting butterflies.
British Garden Centres recommends varieties such as lavender, buddleia, sunflowers, echinacea, scabious, sedum, asters, and verbena bonariensis.
Herbs and climbers like oregano and honeysuckle are also butterfly-friendly and add beauty and fragrance to garden spaces.
Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is simple and open to all ages.
Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes outdoors in sunny conditions before Sunday, August 9, record the butterflies they see, and submit their results online or via the free app.
For more information or to take part, visit the Big Butterfly Count website.
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