NOW is the time to head out and go butterfly spotting, says local conservation charity, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The recent burst of warm weather has seen more of these charming creatures fluttering about our gardens and nature reserves following a pretty dismal start to the year as a result of the cooler temperatures experienced here in Yorkshire during late spring.

Enjoyed by many, due to their association with summer and attractive appearance, some of the butterflies visitors to nature reserves might expect to see include ringlets, red admirals - once a migrant butterfly, coming all the way from Africa, but now overwintering here as a result of climate change - and dark green fritillary.

Marbled whites - an impressive and clearly marked black and white butterfly - has also been creating quite a stir, with individuals turning up in new locations, suggesting a population boom.

Joanna Richards, communications officer at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Recent sightings of marbled white butterflies have come in from the trust’s nature reserve at Bolton Percy near Tadcaster and even the car park at Askham Bog in York. Sites further south in Yorkshire have long been home to these striking butterflies, but the increase in reports further north suggest they may be increasing their range.”

However, a 97 per cent decline in wildflower meadows since the 1940s, has had its impact on butterflies, meaning gardens are more and more important to their survival, creating a stepping stone between natural habitat and protected sites including nature reserves.

Joanna added: "To give them a fighting chance, there is plenty you can do to encourage butterflies into your garden, such as deadheading plants to prolong the flowering season and to plant flowers popular with pollinating insects including lavender or a wildflower mix.

"Another important step is to stop using pesticides and insecticides in gardens – these damage and kill many pollinating insects, and also impact on other beloved garden visitors like hedgehogs."

To find out more, visit ywt.org.uk