Butterflies at Wandlebury are on the wing - join the Big Butterfly Count 18 July - 10 August
As summer unfolds, Wandlebury’s meadows come alive with colour and movement — including the fluttering of some of our most enchanting residents: butterflies and moths. These delicate pollinators aren’t just beautiful to watch; they’re vital indicators of the health of our local environment.
From 18 July to 10 August, you can join thousands across the UK in the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide citizen science project run by Butterfly Conservation. It’s a simple but powerful way to contribute to butterfly monitoring and conservation efforts by spending just 15 minutes counting butterflies and day-flying moths in your garden or local parks.
Why Participate?
Butterflies are more than just pretty creatures — their presence (or absence) reflects broader environmental changes, including habitat loss and climate shifts. By counting and reporting what you see, you help scientists track butterfly populations, spot trends, and guide conservation action.
Butterflies at Wandlebury
Thanks to the support of our members, we are able to carefully manage the habitats at Wandlebury to benefit wildlife, including insects such as butterflies and moths.
Across the year you can easily see 23 species of butterflies at Wandlebury: Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Large Skipper, Small Skipper and Essex Skipper!
There are also some species which are occasionally seen, such as White-letter Hairstreak, Small Blue, Purple Emperor and Clouded Yellow.
Why not see how many of these you can spot? Good places to watch butterflies at Wandlebury:
- Pollinator Garden, this small garden also attracts the Hummingbird-Hawk Moth, which flies during the day and looks like a small hummingbird.
- The large patch of Buddleias near to the toilets.
- The meadows.
How to Take Part
- Choose a sunny spot near nectar-rich flowers and spend 15 minutes observing.
Record the highest number of each butterfly species you spot.
Submit your count via the Big Butterfly Count app or website.
Celebrate Nature and Memory with a Butterfly Plaque at Wandlebury
Our butterfly plaques are more than just decorative elements—they’re lasting tributes to nature and loved ones. Designed by acclaimed nature artist Eleanor Chaney, each plaque is crafted from durable stainless steel and fixed onto the wall next to the Pollinator Garden.
By buying a plaque you not only commemorate special individuals or events but also support the ongoing conservation efforts at Wandlebury.
To learn more or to dedicate a plaque, visit our Butterfly Plaques page.
