Study proves anxiety can be cut by almost 10 per cent by taking part in annual event
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10 per cent, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby.
People participating in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022 were studied. The results show that briefly tuning into nature reduces anxiety by 9 per cent on average while enhancing mental well-being.
Researchers found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feelings of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part. How connected people feel to nature is correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. The findings of this study show that citizen science projects play a vital role in nature’s recovery.
Counting butterflies – a link between nature and well-being
Dr Richard Fox is Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation. He said: “We have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing. This study is the first to prove that looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.
“The results suggest that citizen science projects can play a part in improving people’s mental health. They also gather important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”
Dr Carly Butler is a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and the study’s lead researcher. She added: “Our study showed that even small periods spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial.
Nature connectedness
“The benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness are the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times. This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”
Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern. The latter were driven by not seeing many butterflies and fear over what is happening to our planet.
Carly added: “The more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards. Participants reported they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”
Counting butterflies – grow butterfly-friendly plants
Dr Richard Fox said: “To save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care. We know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive. This study shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, make people feel more connected to nature.
“We’re at a tipping point. Nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly-friendly plants can have a positive impact.”
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity. Just spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies and day-flying moths you see. This year’s Big Butterfly Count takes place from July 12 – August 4. For advice on creating a Wild Space for butterflies, visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/wild-spaces.
