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Sir David Attenborough wants us to ‘forget Brexit’ and count butterflies

Sir David Attenborough calls on Brits to count butterflies (PA)
Sir David Attenborough calls on Brits to count butterflies (PA)

Sir David Attenborough has called upon Britain to take time out from worrying about Brexit – and count butterflies instead.

Sir David wants Britain to take 15 minutes ‘out’ to count butterflies as part of the Big Butterfly Count, and submit findings online – amid fears this summer’s heatwave could hit populations.

Butterfly populations have been in decline for 40 years – but a drought could hit populations, which happened in the heatwave of 1976.

Butterfly Conservation is asking the public to record 17 species of butterfly over three weeks.

Sir David Attenborough is encouraging the British public to take part (PA)
Sir David Attenborough is encouraging the British public to take part (PA)

Sir David said, ‘I’m asking people turn their mind away from squabbles and problems about what’s facing us with Brexit, sit in a quiet place where the sun is shining and see how many butterflies come and count them.

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‘I have been privileged to have witnessed some truly breath-taking wildlife spectacles in far-flung locations but some of my most memorable experiences have happened when I’ve been simply sitting and watching the wildlife that lives where I do.’