New research has shown that participating in the Big Butterfly Count can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mental wellbeing. The pioneering study, conducted by Butterfly Conservation in collaboration with the University of Derby, highlights the mental health benefits of engaging in citizen science activities.
The study, which surveyed participants in the 2022 Big Butterfly Count, found that the simple act of counting butterflies led to a nearly 10% reduction in anxiety. Participants who spent just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies reported an average decrease in anxiety of 9%. In addition, their sense of connectedness with nature increased, with the positive effects lasting 6-7 weeks after the count.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, commented, “This study is the first to provide concrete evidence that counting butterflies can measurably reduce anxiety. It underscores the dual benefit of citizen science projects: they not only contribute valuable data for conservation but also have a positive impact on participants’ mental health.”
The research highlights that nature connectedness—how closely people feel connected to the natural world—correlates strongly with their motivation to engage in conservation efforts. The study’s findings suggest that citizen science projects like the Big Butterfly Count could play a crucial role in fostering this connection, ultimately supporting nature recovery.
Dr Carly Butler, lead researcher and Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby, noted, “Our study demonstrated that even brief periods of engagement with nature, such as counting butterflies, can be profoundly beneficial. Whether participants engaged in one 15-minute session or multiple counts, they experienced reduced anxiety and a stronger connection to nature.”
Participants expressed a range of emotions during the count, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern. Those who felt more intensely about these emotions reported a greater sense of closeness to nature and were more likely to engage in actions to support wildlife, such as creating butterfly-friendly gardens.
Dr Fox added, “For wildlife conservation and nature recovery, fostering a connection to nature is essential. This study clearly shows that even short periods of citizen science, like counting butterflies, can enhance people’s relationship with nature and drive them to take positive action.”
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science initiative, encouraging participants across the UK to spend 15 minutes in sunny spots recording the number and types of common butterflies and day-flying moths they observe.
For tips on creating butterfly-friendly spaces ahead of the Big Butterfly Count, visit Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces.
