On Thursday 31st July, St James’ Church Southam hosted a free, fun Brilliant Butterflies event celebrating butterflies with crafts and an opportunity to join in with the Big Butterfly Count 2025. In total over 200 people, including over 120 children, came and joined in the fun which also included a brilliant Butterfly inspired dance performance by Love Ballet dancers.
Rev Vikki Bisiker said that “As part of the Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project, it’s wonderful to host events such as the Brilliant Butterfly Event this week. It was fantastic to see people of all ages engaging in butterfly themed activities, learning more about nature and connecting with nature around the churchyard as part of the Big Butterfly Count! The beaming smiles said it all!”
Southam in Bloom, Warwickshire Butterfly Conservation and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust all attended and each manned a table offering advice on helping nature. Southam in Bloom felt that it was “a very well attended event with many children plus their carers busily crafting and learning about butterflies.” Young dancers from the Love Ballet school gave delightful performances of butterfly dances which were enjoyed by all.
Visitors also enjoyed crafts, activities and refreshments and made donations which will all go towards the Church Restoration fund support repairs to the Church building so that it can continue to host community events and activities. Over £250 was raised.
The Butterfly Conservation Trust was delighted with the event. Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said “We’re so excited to see so many people getting out into nature for the Big Butterfly Count this year. Citizen scientists like those at the Brilliant Butterflies event at St. James’ Church are collecting really important data which will help us protect species for the future, and we’re really grateful to everyone involved. If you haven’t taken part yet, there’s still time! The Big Butterfly Count runs until 10 August, so head over to the Big Butterfly Count website or download the free app to get involved.”
Butterflies and moths are among the most threatened groups of wildlife in the UK. Following the results of the Big Butterfly Count 2024, Butterfly Conservation have declared a butterfly emergency. By taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count – a UK wide survey, you can help assess the health of our environment simply by counting butterflies.