Goodwood Butterfly Survey 2023

In support of the Butterfly Conservation charity, staff and residents across Goodwood estate have partaken in the Big Butterfly Count which ran from the 14 July to the 6 August. We surveyed over 5 days in total for 15 minutes and as a result, we gained invaluable information about the different types of Butterflies we have and where they are. From this, we can enhance and restore existing habitats, as well as focus on creating new ways in which we can support their population growth.

From the iconic Common Blue to the radiant Peacock, Butterflies have been spotted in all corners of the Estate. We counted 132 butterflies in total and recorded 19 different species.

Butterflies are not only beautiful but they are an extremely important part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. Areas that have a healthy Butterfly population also have a healthy population of other invertebrates. They also play a vital role in natural pest control and limit the need for harmful insecticides or other chemicals. A decline in numbers is an early warning of other wildlife losses, which is why surveys such as this, are vital in tracking the estate’s wildlife population.

The collaborative efforts of the sustainability team have paved the way for the creation of environments that mirror the specific needs of butterflies. Through wildflower meadows, bug hotels, and woodland management, we are creating more diverse and dynamic habitats in order to enhance biodiversity across the estate.

After the positive response from this year’s Butterfly Count, we are hoping that this is an initiative that will grow in participation and become an annual event. This will allow us to compare the species and monitor population numbers from year to year, raising awareness and, hopefully, seeing an increase in our fluttering friends.

For more information on our environment, visit https://www.goodwood.com/estate/our-environment/