Flying high with The Big Butterfly Count

We’re big supporters of The Big Butterfly Count here at Twycross Zoo and took part this year with help from our education rangers along with children from the summer holiday zoo club.

The Big Butterfly Count which ran from 20th July – 12th August, has the support of the likes of Sir David Attenborough, Nick Baker and Alan Titchmarsh MBE.

Counting butterflies is a great way to get an indication of the effect of climate change on wildlife because butterflies react very quickly to change in their environment, meaning butterfly declines are an early warning for other wildlife losses.

So, here are our results:

In total, we counted a 154 butterflies and day-flying moths from 15 different species.

The most common to be spotted was the Small White butterfly with 44 sightings, whereas Painted Lady, Holly Blue and Comma species were the rarest spotted with one sighting each. Other butterfly species that were counted included the Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Common Blue.

Here is a breakdown of the numbers:

We will now submit our figures to be analysed locally and nationally by the team at The Big Butterfly Count.

Visitors can get up close and personal with beautiful, native butterflies in our Nature Reserve and tropical varieties in our walkthrough Butterfly Forest. Marvel as you take the scenic path around the huge walkthrough, gaining an insight into the fascinating life cycle of a butterfly from egg to pupae, and then caterpillar to butterfly as you go.

Best zoo prices available online!

There is no better time to visit, as for a limited time only visitors can book online to take advantage of tickets from just £15 per adult and £10 per child, saving up to £19.80 off a party of four. Price excludes gift aid donation. Gift aid entry is £16.50/£11.