Butterfly Count (Ken W)

The annual butterfly count in the Caldy Nature Park has started. Between 1st April and 30th September once a week the aim is to identify and count the butterflies we see on a set walk around the patch. The results are added to the national database compiled by Butterfly Conservation (BC). From time to time there are media reports from BC and it’s rarely good news. Our local findings are very much in line with the picture across the country. The overall numbers are in decline with some species like the small tortoiseshell in particular difficulty.

Peacock butterfly (stock image)

For now you’re most likely to see Peacock and Orange Tip butterflies with possibly a lovely yellow male Brimstone. The Peacock is quite dark and heavy-looking with lovely colours and big eye-like markings if you see it settled. The Orange Tip is a small-ish white butterfly, the male having the striking orange patch at the wingtips. There are Commas around too, orangey in appearance and jagged edges to the wings.

Orange Tip butterfly

The cabbage whites are beginning to appear, the Large White and the Small White, but it’s confusing because the female Brimstone and the female Orange Tip are white too, and they may be what we’re seeing at the moment.

Later in the year the BC Garden Butterfly Count will give us all the opportunity to report what we’re seeing and add to the national picture.

Ken W, 10 April 2025.

(Stock image by erik-karits-2093459 on Freepik)