A BIG butterfly count across Oxfordshire launches today.
Families are being invited to count the insects in their own gardens or join free butterfly walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
UK butterfly species face a critical summer after a string of poor years that has seen the number of many common species such as the small tortoiseshell, peacock and gatekeeper decline.
Last year was reported to be the fourth worst for butterflies in the UK on record.
In the Big Butterfly Count, national charity Butterfly Conservation is asking people to spot and record 18 species of common butterflies and two day-flying moths during three weeks of the high summer period.
The survey, backed by Sir David Attenborough, runs until August 6.
It is hoped the count will play a significant role in helping scientists find out how butterflies are faring and where conservation efforts should be targeted in future.
Find out more about taking part at bigbutterflycount.org
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