Swanage Railway encourages visitors to take part in the Big Butterfly Count

Visitors to Swanage Railway are being encouraged to take part in this year's Big Butterfly Count while enjoying the beautiful Purbeck countryside.

Running from Friday 17 July to Sunday 9 August 2026, the Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey organised by Butterfly Conservation. The annual initiative helps monitor the health of the UK's environment by recording the butterflies and day-flying moths seen across the country.

With trains travelling through a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland and open countryside, Swanage Railway offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to spot some of Britain's most recognisable butterfly species during their day out.

Taking part is simple:

• Download the free Big Butterfly Count app or butterfly identification chart from the Big Butterfly Count website.
• Choose a location and spend 15 minutes watching for butterflies and day-flying moths.
• Record the species you see and submit your results through the app or website, where your sightings will contribute to important conservation research.

Every count, whether you spot one butterfly or many, helps build a picture of how butterfly populations are changing across the UK.

Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out as they travel on the railway or while exploring stations and surrounding countryside, making their journey part of this important national survey.

To find out more, download the free app or identification guide, and submit your sightings, visit the Big Butterfly Count website.