Our butterfly and moth ‘species on the edge’ need your help!
A vital part of the work we’re doing to support our ‘species on the edge’ is collecting data. The more we know about our priority species – where they are, how many there are, how many are breeding etc – the more informed, more targeted and more effective our conservation action can be.
However, there are just too many butterflies and moths, too many islands, and too many miles of shoreline to leave this task of collecting data to the professionals. So, we’re asking the public to help! Don your citizen science caps and help us help our ‘species on the edge’!
There’s many different ways of getting involved; whether you’re a butterfly beginner or a mad for moths, there’s a citizen science opportunity for you. Explore below, or get in touch for help with finding the opportunity for you: sote@nature.scot
Moth and butterfly-based citizen science opportunities
National Moth Recording Scheme | Butterfly Conservation
What: Record any moth species you see and can identify, at any stage of its life cycle. Add to the over 34 million current and historical sightings recorded through the scheme so far.
How: Spot and identify your moth. Write down the essential details to make a record (species, date, number seen, location name and grid reference), then submit the record. You can send your records to the appropriate County Moth Recorder or submit them through the NMRS Online recording system.
When: Year-round
All the information: www.butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/recording-and-monitoring/national-moth-recording-scheme
Butterflies for the New Millennium | Butterfly Conservation
What: Record butterflies as and when you see them where ever you are.
How: Submit your sightings on a computer through BNM Online or smartphone using the free iRecord Butterflies app. Use whichever suits you best – the records will reach Butterfly Conservation either way.
When: Year-round.
All the information and register: www.butterflyrecording.org
Garden Butterfly Survey | Butterfly Conservation
What: Regularly record butterflies in your garden throughout the year.
How: Sign up and register your garden, then add your butterfly records throughout the year.
When: Year-round
All the information: www.gardenbutterflysurvey.org
Big Butterfly Count | Butterfly Conservation
What: The Big Butterfly Count is an annual nationwide citizen science survey. Launched in 2010, it has become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies.
How: Count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather during the period of the Big Butterfly Count (specific dates during summer). You can do it from your garden or while out and about.
When: Specific period during the summer
All the information: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org
