THE Big Butterfly Count is a scheme that calls upon the public to record their butterfly sightings.
Here's everything you need to know about the project and how to take part.
What is the Butterfly count 2021?
The Big Butterfly Count is an annual project run by Butterfly Conservation.
The UK-wide survey launched in 2010 and has now become the world's biggest survey of butterflies.
Every summer for three weeks the public is asked to record their sightings of 17 different species of butterfly.
The aim of the scheme is to assess the size of the butterfly population for each species to aid conservationists in their work.
The butterfly and moth population in the UK has been in decline since the 1970s so the project is important to help protect the species and prevent extinction.
The project's website describes the nationwide survey as ''taking the pulse of nature'' in a bid to ''assess how much help nature needs.''
When does it start?
This year's Big Butterfly Count will run from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, August 8.
According to the scheme's website, this time of year is chosen because most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle, essentially more likely to be seen.
How can I take part in the Great British Butterfly Count 2021?
Those who want to participate in the Butterfly count first should download the butterfly identification chart in order to be able to identify and record the butterflies they spot.
Next, they should pick the location to spot butterflies and moths such as a garden, a forest or park.
They are asked to observe and count different species of butterflies for 15 minutes preferably during bright weather.
Then butterfly watchers can report their counts on the website or via the app.
They can also check an interactive map to see how their data is contributing to conservation science and research.
Those who do not spot any butterflies are also urged to report it as it can be a sign of a wider problem.
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