Britain 'set for bumper year' for butterflies
Butterfly Conservation expects a bumper year for butterflies in the UK due to a hot, dry spring. The charity is encouraging the public to participate in the annual Big Butterfly Count to help track population trends.
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Image source, Iain H Leach/Butterfly Conservation Image caption, The Holly Blue is one species benefitting from a hot and dry spring
A butterfly charity says the UK could be set for a "bumper" year of the insects as it launches its annual appeal for the public to count them.
Butterfly Conservation, based at East Lulworth, in Dorset, said the hot and dry spring meant it was already seeing an increase in several species.
On Friday, it launched its Big Butterfly Count, a yearly event asking members of the public to report the butterflies they see.
Dr Dan Hoare, director of nature recovery at Butterfly Conservation, said it was an opportunity for them to "colonise and reach out to new places".
"I have seen three or four species in the south of England... wandering away from their normal places," he said.
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