Butterflies are feared to be affected by heatwaves and droughts which have caused their numbers to crash.
High temperatures and low rainfall have drastically affected the insects after plant deaths have left caterpillars struggling to find food.
Now, after more than 42,000 butterflies were spotted in 2022, conservationists are calling on the Sussex public to help count numbers again this year.
Dr Zoe Randle, senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “We really need people across Sussex to get out for the Big Butterfly Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most loved butterflies.
“Who doesn’t remember following a fluttering Red Admiral around, or being mesmerised by a Large White? Butterflies are key indicators of environmental health and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, we need to take action now to protect them. We need you to help us.”
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In 2022, 42,129 butterflies were spotted in the summer in Sussex by 4,282 people.
To take part in the count you can simply sit in a sunny spot for just 15 minutes and note down any butterflies you see.
The Big Butterfly Count is running until August 6 and people can download the Big Butterfly Count app for more information.
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