🦋The Big Butterfly Count 2026🦋

Join Friends of Belle Isle Park (FoBIP) as we survey the butterflies of this beautiful riverside park in conjunction with the Big Butterfly Count, organised by Butterfly Conservation UK.

The survey supports FoBIP’s efforts to increase biodiversity and abundance of native species to reverse the declines, as well as supporting the broader national survey.

We’ll have 15 minutes to welcome attendees, followed by several 15-minute butterfly counts across different areas/habitats within the park. There will be plenty of time for discussions between counts and, importantly, time for snacks!

PLEASE RSVP and let us know if you cannot make it, or will be late, so that we know how many to plan for and when to expect you.

Directions:

The park can be reached on foot or by bicycle, along the River Exe shared pathways or from Topsham Road via Trew's Weir Reach.

Please bring water and snacks, and appropriate clothing / sun protection.

If the weather is not conducive for butterfly surveys, we may reschedule - please check on the day.

Please note, there are no toilets in the park. The nearest public toilet is at the Quayside.

Sorry, no dogs are permitted in Belle Isle Park

If you are inspired to help FoBIP improve Belle Isle Park for butterflies through increasing suitable habitat, please read on below.

Friends of Belle Isle Park (FoBIP)

We are a group of predominantly local park users who recognise the value of this special place in regards to nature, and mental and physical well-being. Over several years, we have worked with the council to agree a new management strategy that aims to create a wilder Belle Isle, and thus increase opportunities for nature connection and all the benefits that brings to the community.

A great way to meet new friends and make both positive environmental and social impacts whilst keeping fit.

General activities include:

Clearing areas within the meadow for enrichment planting with diverse and beneficial wildflowers; creating log/turf piles; maintaining access to improve nature connection provision.

There is no obligation to do manual tasks and Friends of Belle Isle Park welcome anyone who would like to build a community with other regular users of the park, or help run regular volunteer events.

Belle Isle Park

Opened in 1992, Belle Isle is Exeter's newest park. With a view of ‘Leaf Land’ woods and the River Exe, the park is a favourite spot for lunchtime picnicking and casual bird watching. Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, cormorants, woodpeckers, swifts and swallows are regular visitors. It's also a great place to watch the bats flying at dusk.