Following the publicity drive last year we rapidly assembled a large group of volunteer butterfly surveyors: we even had to turn one or two away as we had such good numbers; apologies again to anyone who was disappointed. We are now half way through the butterfly monitoring year and I’ve summarised in the chart below the numbers and variety of butterflies seen.
Following a slow start, the warmer weather has been accompanied by a wider range of species and much greater numbers of butterflies. The surveyors have been going out in pairs or threes with an experienced surveyor leading each week to help newcomers gain experience in a supportive environment. Everyone has been out at least once and all have reported enjoying the opportunities to get out into the fresh air and see nature in beautiful surroundings, all the time concentrating on learning as much as possible about the butterflies of the Quantocks and the habitats that suit them.
Written by Simon Davies