Last summer, 4,824 butterflies and day-flying moths were spotted by citizen scientists in Cumbria during the Big Butterfly Count.

Today, Butterfly Conservation, a wildlife conservation charity, is appealing to the people of the region to help surpass last year's figure.

In 2023, Cumbrians conducted 489 counts, with the Small White topping the list for species sightings.

With the count coming to an end on August 4, scientists are hoping an increased number of participants will provide a clearer picture of the status of the region’s butterflies.

A sobering revelation is that, after analysing 50 years of data, researchers have identified a northward spread of many species, including common garden favourites such as the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, considered a result of climate change creating warmer habitats for these populations.

Butterflies serve as indicators of the health of our natural environment.

With half of Britain’s butterfly species currently under threat or nearly threatened with extinction, it is important to understand how these species react to climate change and take necessary steps to protect them.

Dr Zoë Randle, senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: "We really need people across Cumbria to get out for the Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies.

"We’re relying on everyone, everywhere to spend just 15 minutes outdoors and let us know what they see.

"With species on the move, someone in Cumbria might even be the first to spot a new species in their area!"

The Big Butterfly Count can be an enjoyable, peaceful activity, requiring only 15 minutes in a sunny spot and is suitable for any age.

It can be conducted in any part of the UK - towns, cities, or the countryside - and simply requires observing and reporting.

In the previous year, more than 135,000 Counts were conducted nationwide, with participants collectively spending the equivalent to four years counting butterflies in varied environments.

The data collected is crucial to informing conservation projects, shaping government policies, and assisting other experts with important research to protect our planet.

Participants can easily join the count, which kicked off on July 12, by visiting www.bigbutterflycount.org or by downloading the free Big Butterfly Count app.