The world's biggest butterfly count got under way this week, with David Attenborough urging people to spend 15 minutes observing their nearest sunny, dry patch of garden or meadow-if you can find one-for the number and variation of butterflies on it. Butterflies are likely to be badly affected by this soaking summer, which will delay their emergence period, thus reducing their life span, and hamper mating and egg-laying, leading to a reduced population next year (The nature of things, page 30). Last year, 34,000 people participated in the count. Record sightings on www.bigbutterflycount.org; the survey ends on August 5.
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380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
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'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The SeasonHere's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
