Save Our Butterflies Week 2010 runs from 24 July to 1 August

This year's theme is parks and gardens for butterflies.

Many butterflies are in serious decline, as their countryside habitat is lost to industrial and housing developments, intensive farming and roads.

Parks and gardens can provide a lifeline for butterflies struggling to find food and shelter.

Be part of the big butterfly count

Butterfly Conservation is teaming up with Marks and Spencer to launch the biggest ever public butterfly count to date.

You can join in and help us track butterflies, so we know where they need our help the most.

Find a sunny spot in your garden, local park or other open space and spend 15 minutes counting butterflies.

For more information, to download an ID chart and submit your sightings please visit the big butterfly count website.

Events in your area

Is your local park a haven for butterflies? What can you do to make your garden more butterfly friendly? Find out more about the butterflies where you live by joining in your local Save Our Butterflies Week celebrations.

• Go on a butterfly walk and get acquainted with butterflies in your area
• Take part in a work party and help transform your countryside into a butterfly haven
• Attend a talk and find out how to attract butterflies to your garden or how to monitor and record your sightings
• Look out for Butterfly Conservation at your local countryside show. Meet our members and join us in saving butterflies, moths and their habitats.

Search our events listings for an activity near you.

Join us this week to be entered in an exclusive prize draw

Become a member of Butterfly Conservation during Save Our Butterflies Week to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland by Jeremy Thomas, illustrations by Richard Lewington. (RRP £24.95).

Join now from just £2.33 a month.