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30 Phonebox Magazine | April 2025The Big Butterfl y Count returns: get out for the count!Wildlife charity Butterfl y Conservation has revealed the dates of this year%u2019s highly anticipated Big Butterfl y Count, which will take place from 18th July to 10th August.The annual citizen science programme, which is now in its 16th year, attracts tens of thousands of people out into their gardens, local green spaces or the countryside to spend fi fteen minutes counting butterfl ies and helping to track trends and inform conservation action.After declining numbers of butterfl ies resulted in the charity declaring a nationwide Butterfl y Emergency last year, it%u2019s more important than ever that people take part in 2025.Last summer%u2019s Big Butterfly Count results were alarming. Overall, participants spotted just seven butterfl ies on average per 15-minute Count in 2024, a reduction of almost 50% on 2023%u2019s average of 12 and the lowest in the history of the Big Butterfl y Count. It was also the worst summer in the Count%u2019s history for a number of popular species, including Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfl y Conservation, said: %u201cWe need everyone, everywhere, to get out for the Count this year and help us fi nd out if last year%u2019s shocking results were a blip or if they indicate a much greater issue.%u201dButterfl ies are indicators of a healthy natural environment, and with half of Britain%u2019s butterfl y species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it%u2019s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing landscape, climate and pollution, and to take action to protect them.Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfl y Count is free, fun and takes just fi fteen minutes. It is open to anyone of any age in any part of the UK %u2013 towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small %u2013 a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.Last year, more than 85,000 citizen scientists took part in Butterfly Conservation%u2019s Big Butterfl y Count, submitting 143,241 Counts. This is equivalent to 35,810 hours, or four years%u2019 worth of time spent counting butterfl ies, in gardens, parks, school grounds and the countryside %u2013 areas the charity is not easily able to get vital data from otherwise.The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterfl ies and moths are faring, informs conservation projects and government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.Dr Fox said: %u201cIn total, just over 935,000 butterfl ies and day-fl ying moths were recorded across the UK from 12 July %u2013 4 August in 2024, down almost 600,000, equivalent to more than a third of 2023%u2019s total, and 9,000 Counts were logged as seeing zero butterfl ies, the highest in the citizen science programme%u2019s history. This is very disturbing.%u201cButterfl ies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble, we know that the wider environment is in trouble, too. Last year, nature sounded the alarm call, and we were able to respond, securing a complete ban from the Government on particularly toxic neonicotinoid pesticides on crops in 2025. Now we are calling on people across the UK to get involved once again, to enjoy 15 minutes out spotting and counting butterfl ies, and helping us to see how butterfl ies are faring this year.%u201dFor more information and to take part, simply visit www.bigbutterfl ycount.org or download the free Big Butterfl y Count app.Butterfl y Conservation is a UK charity dedicated to saving butterfl ies, moths and our environment. Their research provides advice on how to conserve and restore habitats. They run projects to protect more than 100 threatened species, and are involved in conserving hundreds of sites and reserves. www.butterfl y-conservation.org @savebutterfl ies.Pancake Mardi GrasOlney Meadows Care Home New Orleans vibe...The Pancake Race Day became the Mardi Gras at Olney Meadows Care Home, last month.The home%u2019s chefs prepared New Orleans style recipes and staff tried out their Mardi Gras masks as the pancake event was extended well into the afternoon. There was also the opportunity to look around Kingsley Healthcare%u2019s latest fl agship luxury care home and discuss family care needs with the home%u2019s team. Guests enjoyed some delicious New Orleans-themed buff et while listening to live jazz music on the 4th March open day.