Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is encouraging residents to take part in the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide survey run by the charity Butterfly Conservation, to help scientists assess how this year's warm weather has affected butterfly populations. Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes recording butterflies and day-flying moths in gardens, parks and other green spaces, with the data helping researchers track how species are responding to climate change, habitat loss and conservation efforts. The initiative matters because roughly 80% of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years.

The count runs until 9 August, with sightings submitted via the free Big Butterfly Count app or the charity's website. The BCP area contains several notable habitats, including Canford Heath, home to rare Silver-studded Blue butterflies, and Bourne Valley, which supports species such as the Large Skipper. Butterfly Conservation's Kate Merry said it was too early to say whether the warm spring would translate into a strong summer for butterflies, while BCP Council's Andy Hadley noted that each 15-minute count helps build a clearer picture of butterfly numbers locally and nationally.