We were once again delighted to welcome Tricia and Ken from the Gloucestershire branch of Butterfly Conservation to school to introduce the Eco Warriors to the Big Butterfly Count, the UK’s largest citizen science survey of butterflies and day-flying moths. This year’s count runs from Friday 17 July to Sunday 9 August. The children learned how taking part in the count helps scientists monitor wildlife and understand how different species are faring across the country.
As part of the visit, the Eco Warriors took part in a mock Big Butterfly Count activity in our wildlife meadow. Ken had prepared laminated, life-size photographs of the butterflies and moths featured in the survey, which were hidden for the children to find and identify. This provided a fun and interactive way for the children to practise spotting different species and recording their findings.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to release butterflies and moths on our school site. The children were thrilled to watch Brimstone and Painted Lady butterflies take flight and were fascinated by the spectacular Elephant Hawk-moths, whose stunning pink and olive-green markings captured everyone’s attention.
As the children carried out their butterfly count, it was wonderful to be surrounded by Large White, Gatekeeper and Skipper butterflies. These sightings are a reflection of the fantastic work of our Eco Warriors, whose efforts over the past two years have helped create the habitats that encourage wildlife to thrive on our school site. Seeing these butterflies flourishing in our meadow was a wonderful reminder of the positive difference the Eco Warriors are making for nature.
Although the official count has not yet started, the activity helped the children develop their identification skills and gain confidence so that they can take part with their families over the summer holidays.
Tricia and Ken would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the Big Butterfly Count in their own gardens and local green spaces, and to upload their results at: https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
They have also asked us to share that Daisybank CIC will be hosting its first Big Butterfly Count event on Sunday 19 July, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm, at Daisybank Field (over the stile at the end of Pilford Road, GL53 9AG). Parking is available on Old Bath Road, please do not park in Pilford Road. They would love to see you there!
The Eco Warriors would like to say a huge thank you to Tricia and Ken for sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm with us.
