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FROM THE YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY NEWSDESK HOW COMMON IS THE COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLYGrassington, June 19, 2006 A new wildlife survey is being launched in the Yorkshire Dales National Park which will rely almost completely on help from residents and visitors. They are being asked to report sightings of the Common Blue Butterfly to help in a survey being run by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and the national wildlife organisation Butterfly Conservation. Ian Court, the YDNPA’s Species Officer, said: “We want to know what the distribution of the species is in the National Park so we can find out just how common the Common Blue is. To do this we are asking everyone to look out for this butterfly and report sightings to us. “The information will help to build up a picture of locations and numbers so we can assess whether they need any help to survive.” “We are asking people who see them while they are out and about to make a note of the date, the place, including a grid reference, and the number seen.” The Common Blue is the most widespread blue butterfly in the UK and can be seen between July and September in the Yorkshire Dales, mainly on flower-rich, limestone grassland. To help people taking part, the YDNPA has produced a leaflet containing more information about the Common Blue and a form that should be completed and posted back to the Authority free of charge. The leaflet, called ‘Have you seen a Common Blue butterfly this year?’, can be obtained from National Park Centres at Aysgarth Falls, Grassington, Hawes, Malham and Reeth and Tourist Information Centres at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Leyburn, Richmond, Settle and Skipton. You can also submit your form online on the YDNPA website www.yorkshiredales.org.uk. Click on ‘hot topics’ on our home page for more information. Butterfly Conservation spokesman Sam Ellis said: “This is yet another chance for people to get closer to wildlife in the National Park and help us get a better understanding of where the Common Blue can be found at the same time. “We are hoping for a great response from members of the public.” //ends// For more information please call the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Media Office on 01756 751616. Alternatively, please email media@yorkshiredales.org.uk
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