Transcript

[PIANO MUSIC]

NICK BAKER

Butterflies are incredibly sensitive indicators of the health of our environment. Across the UK, most species of butterflies and moths are in some kind of decline. But the good news is you can do something about it. You can help by taking part in Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count. And by doing so, you'll be able to help them work out how best to help the butterflies.

On top of that, it's a great way of having fun and getting outside. It's not just good for the butterflies, this. Being outside is good for you too. Now how do you take part? All you need is either the Big Butterfly Count app on your phone or tablet. Or, you can print off your recording sheet from the Big Butterfly Count website.

Now what you need to take part in the survey is simply one of those and 15 minutes of your time. That's all it takes, 15 minutes-- preferably, in sunny weather. So head outdoors and set up in a good spot for butterflies. Now this could be your garden, a park, a wood, or a favourite spot that you've got in mind.

So there's the Butterfly Count app. Press on it. It opens up. Take part in the count? It asks me. Yes, please. It's now time to start. So 15 minutes from now, go. And of course, I have to record the maximum number of butterflies of any species I see at any one time.

So that is a Meadow Brown. Meadow Brown is there. Meadow Brown.

[PIANO MUSIC]

Ah-ha, Small Tortoiseshell, finally. There's also sort of this big, dark shape just over there. And I just got myself a Red Admiral. If you're not using an app or on a tablet or a phone, the old-fashioned way is just as good. And it's a simple chart like this. So I can fill in the butterflies I've seen in my 15 minute station. One Small Tortoiseshell. And one Red Admiral.

OK, that's my 15 minutes up. So I can just add a few more little details to the last page. And then press Submit. Now, if you're not using the app, then you now need to go and enter it on the website.

OK, right. Now I'm going to put in the data from my form into the Big Butterfly Count website. Submit Sightings. Meadow Brown. So Submit Sightings. I have some good news. We're all done.

You can also join in with the Big Butterfly Count conversation on social media, to let everyone know what you've seen and what you've learned about the different species you've been counting. Also, remember-- this is quite important-- that the counts where you see nothing still count. So let us know.

Some more good news, you can keep counting. You can complete as many counts in as many different locations as you like. And you don't have to go it alone. Bring your friends and family along for the fun. And they, too, can help towards securing a brighter future for our butterflies. All you need to do to start is visit Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count website.