THIS is National Insect Week, a new campaign by scientists to record insect populations around the country, and here in the Yorkshire Dales people are being asked to keep a sharp eye open from the Common Blue butterfly.

How common is the Common Blue - Dales volunteers needed
to find out

The reason: national park environmentalists want to establish just how common the Common Blue is.

The new wildlife survey is being launched by the national park authority and the national charity Butterfly Conservation and it will rely almost completely on help from residents and visitors. They are being asked to report sightings of the Common Blue.

Ian Court, the YDNPA's Species Officer, said: "We want to know what the distribution of the species is in the park so we can find out just how common the Common Blue is. To do this we are asking everyone to look out for this butterfly and report sightings to us.

"The information will help to build up a picture of locations and numbers so we can assess whether they need any help to survive."

"We are asking people who see them while they are out and about to make a note of the date, the place, including a grid reference, and the number seen."

The Common Blue is the most widespread blue butterfly in the UK and can be seen between July and September, mainly on flower-rich, limestone grassland.

We want to know what the distribution of the species is in the park so we can find out just how common the Common Blue is

Ian Court - YDNPA Species Officer

To help people taking part, the YDNPA has produced a leaflet containing more information about the Common Blue and a form to be completed and posted back free of charge.

The leaflet, called 'Have you seen a Common Blue butterfly this year?', can be obtained from national park centres at Aysgarth Falls, Grassington, Hawes, Malham and Reeth and Tourist Information Centres at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Leyburn, Richmond, Settle and Skipton.

You can also submit your form online on the YDNPA website www.yorkshiredales.org.uk. Click on 'hot topics' on the home page for more information.

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