Dorset charity says counting butterflies can relieve stress
Butterfly Conservation say the species can help to boost mental wellbeing
A Dorset wildlife charity has revealed counting butterflies can reduce stress.
Butterfly Conservation carried out the first-of-its-kind study during last year's Big Butterfly Count.
Researchers found just 15 minutes resulted in anxiety dropping by 10% and improved mental wellbeing.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said:
"While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.
"The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people's mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work."
Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said:
"Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times. This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel."
Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.
Dr Richard Fox said:
"In order to save wildlife and ensure nature's recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive. This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature - a vital step in the battle to save wildlife.
"We're at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact."
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation's flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.
This year's Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12th July to Sunday 4th August.