Leeds residents are being encouraged to participate in the nationwide Big Butterfly Count by attending free, family-friendly events in local parks. The initiative, led by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, aims to gather crucial data on butterfly populations across the UK.
First Event at Temple Newsam
The first session took place on Thursday, July 23, at Temple Newsam, led by local officer Josh Shaw. Participants spotted a variety of species, including Peacocks, Painted Ladies, and Red Admirals. The data collected provides scientists with a vital snapshot of how butterflies are faring, directly influencing future conservation strategies.
Upcoming Events Across Leeds
Josh Shaw will lead four additional Big Butterfly Count events across the city: Tuesday, July 28, from 11am to noon at Rein Park; Thursday, July 30, from 11am to 1pm at Middleton Park; Sunday, August 2, from 11am to noon at Wortley Recreation Ground; and Thursday, August 6, from 11am to 1pm at Roundhay Park. These sessions are part of the Leeds Wild Spaces project, a collaboration between Butterfly Conservation and Leeds City Council.
Community and Conservation Impact
Josh Shaw, local officer for Butterfly Conservation, said: “These events are so much fun - we always get to meet interesting new people, and they are always so amazed by how many different beautiful butterflies you can see just flying around parks in the centre of the city. Spending time in any green space can be really good for our mental health, and the Big Butterfly Count is so easy to do, but the data that it gives us is also so valuable in showing us what butterflies are in trouble and which species need our help.”
Leeds Wild Spaces Project
The Leeds Wild Spaces project is creating seven new habitat areas in public parks, planted with native wildflowers and grasses to support pollinators. Funding comes from West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Climate Grants programme, Butterfly Conservation's Yorkshire Branch, the Hiscox Foundation, and the Peter Sowerby Foundation.
Nationwide Big Butterfly Count
Earlier this year, West Yorkshire residents voted the Peacock as Britain's Favourite Butterfly in a national poll, followed by the Red Admiral, Orange-tip, Painted Lady, and Holly Blue. The nationwide Big Butterfly Count runs until Sunday, August 9. Anyone can participate by spending 15 minutes recording butterfly sightings in a garden, park, or street corner using a free mobile app.
Kate Merry, head of engagement at Butterfly Conservation, commented: “Butterflies are icons of summer and, more importantly, key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health. Every single person that takes part in the Big Butterfly Count and submits their sightings is helping us to see how these pollinators are doing, which in turn helps conservationists build a wider picture of how all insects are faring. It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies. You’ll also be helping to protect butterflies for future generations, and if that doesn’t give you the feel-good factor, I don’t know what will.”
To register for a local event or submit sightings, search for Butterfly Conservation on Eventbrite or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org.
