LEGENDARY broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough is calling on people in Dorset to help save butterflies.

As President of Dorset-based Butterfly Conservation he is launching the wildlife charity’s citizen science project and the world’s largest butterfly survey – the Big Butterfly Count, which launches this weekend.

To celebrate the first weekend, free events are being held near Abbotsbury, Ringwood and Swanage.

For nature lovers who can’t attend any events, Sir David is calling on them to help reverse butterfly declines by planting nectar sources for pollinating insects in their gardens.

Residents can plant pots in their gardens or on window ledges, using nectar sources such as Catmint, Lavender, Oregano, Echinacea and Cranesbill.

Sir David said: “The UK’s butterflies really need your help this summer. Three-quarters are in decline and one-third in danger of extinction.

“The ongoing and alarming loss of their habitat is a major and worrying factor in their falling numbers.

“But by taking one simple step you can help to reverse this loss. Plant a few pots in your garden or on your window ledge with the right plants and you can provide butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects with a lifeline of food and shelter.

“It’s up to every single one of us to make sure that the spectacle of mid –summer butterflies remains a much anticipated highlight of the season rather than becoming a long-mourned memory.

“Make yours a butterfly summer by getting out for the count.”

Residents can also do as many butterfly counts as they like in their own gardens between July 17 and August 9.

Just find a sunny place and spend just 15 minutes counting every butterfly seen and then submit sightings online at www.bigbutterflycount.org

Results from last year revealed the small tortoiseshell butterfly was the most commonly seen butterfly in Dorset. Numbers have risen after years of decline.

More than 1,200 butterflies were counted by local residents in a three-week period.

Butterfly Conservation’s aim is the upkeep of butterflies, moths and their habitats.

Experts from Butterfly Conservation’s Dorset branch will be leading a butterfly count and guided walk at Durlston Country Park on Saturday, July 18 and two others the following day at Avon Heath Country Park and the Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve.

At least five other free butterfly events are also taking place across the county during the Big Butterfly Count.

Further details on all these events can be found at www.butterfly-conservation.org/DorsetEvents