Sir David Attenborough urges British public to join butterfly count

Veteran broadcaster encourages people to take part in Big Butterfly Count and highlights mental health benefits of wildlife

• Share your butterfly pictures

Watching nature provides "precious breathing space" from the stress of modern life, Sir David Attenborough has said, as he urges people to take part in the world's biggest butterfly count.

While the UK's butterflies are basking in the best summer conditions in more than a decade, if the hot weather becomes a drought it could be catastrophic for the insects as plants wither and caterpillars starve.