Just two Large White butterflies on today's UKBMS Live Data transect, and they were too fast to photograph. Instead here's a delightful Small Copper from last week's transect by Tony Gould.

We are in a #ButterflyEmergency 🚨🦋 This year’s #BigButterflyCount saw the lowest number of butterflies spotted per Count in its 14-year history. Join us as we demand the Government take urgent action to save butterflies & moths. Sign our open letter 👉 butterfly-conservation.org/emergency

"The worst year on record for once-ubiquitous species...Eight out of the 10 most-seen species have declined – in many cases dramatically – over the count’s history. " Patrick Barkham writes for The Guardian on this year's Big Butterfly Count. theguardian.com/environment/20…

An emergency has been declared after an annual count of butterflies found the lowest number in 14 years. “The key thing is to see it in the context of long-term declines. It’s not just a blip and if next summer is warm, everything will be rosy" Story👇 thetimes.com/uk/environment…

This year’s #BigButterflyCount results are in and it’s not good news for nature 📰🦋 Overall, participants spotted just 7 butterflies on average per 15-minute Count, a reduction of almost 50% on last year’s average of 12, and the lowest in the 14-year history of the Count. 🧵

Today's UKBMS Live Data transect included an end of season cliff-hanger. Two Common Blue butterflies, just 20 m apart. One male, one female. Will they find each other before the weather turns?

The sheep are back ! They will be with us for a week. Come and say hello if you're passing the Haven but remember to stay outside fence while our fleecy friends get on with their work munching the summer's plant growth. Thanks again to Sussex Wildlife Trust 🦔 for loaning us the flock.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm watching over the #sheep, or the #sheep are watching me.

Friday's Haven #sheep of the day is this #Herdwick amongst the nettles.

Saturday #sheep scenes from the Haven, including a couple of possibilities for #sheep of the day.

#sheep lookering in the Haven again today. Waited ages to get a photo of all three of these looking at me at the same time but only ever got two out of three. I think they knew.

Entries to the 2024/25 South Downs Photo Comp close in 48 hours! The theme is "Spectacular Seasons of the South Downs." There will be a winner and runner-up for Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Hurry and enter 👉 southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo… 📷 Simon Grinyer #SouthDowns

We also have special categories for 'Wildlife', 'Towns and Villages', and the return of the Youth Competition.

Today is International #BiosphereDay, celebrating how UNESCO Biospheres promote a sustainable approach to life through research, engagement and conservation. We are proud to celebrate and share these aims as partners of The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, our local #UNESCO Biosphere. #SouthDowns

Thanks Sussex Wildlife Trust 🦔 for letting us borrow your #sheep. Some especially enthusiastic eating. They've done a great job. See them again next year.

Haven friend Max Anderson is making the news with his #butterfly conservation work in the south west... BBC News - Butterfly experts celebrate completion of project to help species - BBC News bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

A big thank you to Sarah Gorrell at BBC Sussex for talking to Sussex Dolphin Project's Managing Director, Thea Taylor, yesterday for the lunch break interview. 🐬

Moths are fascinating insects that play a vital role in the ecosystem – plus they’re incredible pollinators! 🌼 Discover the top five plants to help attract marvellous moths all year round 👉 wild-spaces.co.uk/top-five-plant… 📷: Bob Eade #WildSpaces #MothsMatter

2024 has recorded the highest temperature in any year since 1850 🌡🌍 This is the 11th year in succession that has equalled or exceeded 1.0°C above the pre-industrial average period A number of centres released their estimates today: metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-… #GetClimateReady

Rebuilding the area of Los Angeles destroyed by global warming-induced wildfires is expected to cost a minimum of $250 BILLION with costs rising due to the need to remove vast amounts of toxic waste. If you think 'net zero costs too much', I have some terrible news for you.