Dorset great place to spot butterflies, says Chris Packham
The Wildlife Broadcaster's urging us all to help out with the Big Butterfly Count this weekend.
Dorset is a fantastic place to spot butterflies this weekend, according to wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham.
The TV personality, who's based in Hampshire, told Greatest Hits Radio he's a frequent Dorset visitor,
He's urging us all to look out for butterflies this weekend and help with the Big Butterfly Count.
He said:
"Dorset's a great place for butterflies, there are a number of specialist species that live there.
"It's a really good place to keep your eyes open for these insects."
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation's annual three-week citizen science event. The biggest of its kind, the UK-wide survey is open to everyone, of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside.
Current records show that many species of butterflies have had a poor spring or a delay in their emergence following this year's unseasonably cold and wet weather.
In fact, the recent weather has been very challenging for many of the UK's insects. Although April was the sunniest on record, it was also very cold with a record number of frosts. This was then followed by the wettest May for over 50 years.
Information about butterfly populations is extremely helpful to scientists in predicting the future of the environment.
Chris Packham explained:
"They're very good indicators. We choose them as indicators of the wider health of our natural communities. Their caterpillars are important for feeding birds, many things like bats and birds eat the adults.
"Without many butterflies and moths we see declines in other species too.
"Looking at this group we're actually able to a much broader understanding of what's going on in our natural environment."
The Big Butterfly Count launched this weekend. You can find out more about how to take part here. bigbutterflycount.org