Ringlet at Cherryburn, 2017 © David Gill
Today, 14 July 2017, marks the start of the Big Butterfly Count. Keep an eye out for butterflies when you are visiting heritage sites.
This ringlet was in the meadow behind NT Cherryburn in Northumberland, the birthplace of Thomas Bewick.
Small tortoiseshell at Castle Acre © David Gill
The UK Big Butterfly Count started on 15 July and runs until 7 August. On Thursday evening the pits at Grime’s Graves were alive with Meadow Browns.
Meadow Brown at Grime’s Graves © David Gill
On Saturday there was a particularly fine Small Tortoiseshell in the reconstructed herb garden at Castle Acre.
Medicinal herb garden at Castle Acre © David Gill
In previous years I spotted a Small White on the lavender in the gardens of Bolsover Castle.
Small White at Bolsover Castle © David Gill
Why not take a pen and paper (form available) or download the app, and record how many butterflies you spot when you next visit a heritage site? Then upload it to the Big Butterfly Count.
