Hever Castle & Gardens are encouraging visitors to take part in the big butterfly count as they enjoy their day out in the grounds.
The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey that was launched in 2010 and is now the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. Over 44,000 people took part in the survey last year and nearly 560,000 butterflies were counted.
Photo credit: Matt Berry @savethebutterflies
The survey is used to help assess the health of the environment as butterflies react very quickly to changes in their environment. This means that any butterfly declines are an early warning for potential losses of other types of wildlife. It is hoped that the survey will help produce a plan to protect butterflies in the long term, as well as provide a better understanding of the effect climate change has on wildlife.
There are plenty of beautiful places within the gardens for butterfly spotting and all you have to do is count the butterflies you see in a 15 minute period. If you are counting from a fixed position, say whilst you were having a picnic, count the maximum number of each species that you can see at a single time. If you are doing your count on a walk, then simply total up the number of each butterfly species that you see during the 15 minutes. If you’re not sure which species are which you can download a handy identification chart.
Top Tip: The Lake Walk is great for seeing all kinds of wildlife, not just butterflies, and you can download an enjoyable nature trail to take along with you.
The big butterfly count runs from 17 July – 9 August and you can find out more information about the survey and how to take part on the big butterfly count website.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
