Attenborough backs call for butterfly count

The naturalist, who is president of wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, said butterflies were one of the “stars of the British countryside”, but warned they were in long-term decline.

And in the wake of one of the hottest and driest springs on record, with some areas hit by drought, the nationwide survey is important to find out how butterflies are faring.

The wildlife charity wants to see whether butterflies, many of which emerged much earlier than usual as a result of the hot, dry conditions, have managed to turn round declining fortunes or have starved as the plants they feed on wilt in the drought.

Butterfly Conservation is running the annual Big Butterfly Count from July 16-31, and is urging the public to take 15 minutes in a sunny place to count all the butterflies they can see, and then submit their sightings online. It will help conservationists track the progress of garden favourites such as the small tortoiseshell and the peacock butterfly.

To take part in the count, which is run in partnership with Marks & Spencer, go to www.bigbutterflycount.org.