Butterfly Conservation is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts in the Borders to take part in the world’s largest butterfly survey.

A butterfly spotting event has been organised to encourage people to get outside and take part in the Big Butterfly Count, which runs until August 10. The event in the Megget Valley, will offer nature lovers the chance to learn more about the local wildlife and carry out butterfly surveys.

There will also be a guided walk to find the caterpillars of a rare moth called the Small Chocolate-tip.

Despite not being seen in the area for more than 30 years, caterpillars of Clostera pigra were discovered in Peeblesshire in 2013 and it’s hoped more will be found this year.

Big Butterfly Count species like the Common Blue, Ringlet and Green-veined White, have also been spotted in the area already this summer.

Butterfly Conservation’s President, Sir David Attenborough, said: “Butterflies fought back last year after a terrible 2012 but despite this, butterfly numbers were still below average. Three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies are in decline and one-third are in danger of extinction.

“This is bad news for butterflies and it is bad news for the UK’s birds, bees, bats and other wildlife. This is because butterflies are a key indicator species of the health of our environment – if they are struggling, then many other species are struggling also.

“Every single person taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer can produce a statistic that is of real value as their records help build a picture of how butterflies are faring and how we can best conserve them.” The Big Butterfly Count is taking place in partnership with Marks and Spencer as part of its Plan A commitment to be the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015.

Mike Barry, M&S Director of Plan A, said: “This is our fifth year of partnering with Butterfly Conservation and we are working hard with our farmers to improve habitats for butterflies. “We continue to encourage customers and employees to take part in the Big Butterfly Count too, which is now even easier thanks to the new app.” The free Big Butterfly Count app is available from the iOS and Android app stores and allows you to submit your sightings via your smart phone. All you need is 15 minutes to count how many butterflies you see.

If you’d like to find out more about the Megget Valley event, please contact Teyl de Bordes by email: Whitmuir@aol.com or by telephone on: 07745 506471.