Citizen Science: How to conduct a Butterfly Survey
Citizen science is when the public contributes to scientific research - you could be a species expert, or just someone with an interest. In 2024 Bore Place are offering is a series of FREE training sessions to learn to survey for our six key indicator species in a friendly and relaxed group setting. From there, you can then look to take on regular or ad-hoc voluntary surveys at Bore Place, to contribute meaningful data to our work.
- 4 Aug 2024
- 10am - 1pm
- Bore Place
How to conduct a butterfly survey
Why are Common Blue butterflies a useful indicator species?
The butterfly survey will focus on the Common Blue butterfly, a widespread species which use a variety of habitats and is therefore a good indicator of connectivity. The caterpillar primarily feeds on common bird’s-foot-trefoil, but also greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, black medick, common restharrow, and white clover. Common Blue butterflies are good indicators for developing grasslands that are rich in wildflowers.
We will monitor this species by undertaking transects using the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme methodology, so it is possible to compare the population at Bore Place to national trends.
This training session is one of Bore Place scheduled surveys – so by the end of the session, you’ll already have contributed data to Bore Place research.
Places are limited for each training session and must be pre-booked. Please book here to let us know you’re coming.
If the session is fully booked, please join the waiting list as Bore Place may be able to offer another training session in response to demand.
Important info
- Over 18s only.
- Dress for the weather and in clothes you don’t mind getting mucky – all training sessions are practical and will be outside.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable boots or wellies.
- Feel free to bring water and snacks with you.
- Sorry, no dogs are permitted with the exception of service animals.