Sir David Attenborough is warning that this year’s slow spring and washout summer could spell disaster for butterflies found in and around Berwickshire, as their chances to feed and mate have been greatly reduced.
Sir David said that people’s sightings were vital and he is asking people across Berwickshire and East Lothian to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, the world’s largest butterfly survey, to help scientists chart the effects of the poor weather conditions on widespread species.
People are invited to do the count at a number of free guided butterfly events, including Cockburnspath on Saturday, July 16, and in Abbey St Bathans on Sunday, July 16.
This year butterflies have endured a slow start to spring with cold conditions experienced during March and snow falling widely well into April, which was colder than average.
Despite a few warm weeks in May, June was a washout for many parts of the UK with sightings of butterflies down on previous years.
More information can be found at www.butterfly-conservation.org/EScotlandBBC