Butterfly and moth numbers in Harefield and Ruislip were recorded in a count as part of a nationwide survey.

The Butterfly Conservation Society carries out the project in various spots across the country to monitor increasing or decreasing numbers of different species.

The Butterfly Conservation Hertfordshire & Middlesex branch lead the count yesterday (Sunday, July 20) and studied insects at Ruislip Lido and, for first year ever, looked at the fields around the Old Orchard pub in Park Lane, Harefield.

"Sadly, four butterflies and over 60 moths became extinct during the last century," said Ayub Khan, a professional nature and wildlife photographer who lives in Evelyn Avenue, Ruislip who documented the count with pictures.

"Three-quarters of British butterflies are in decline and many moths are also facing an uncertain future."

In 2013 there was some good news as for the first time in years there was a boost in numbers.

"We would certainly like to see the same this year," said Mr Khan.

"Scientists cite many reasons for the decline and it is most probably a combination of them.

"One reason certainly is the destruction of their habitat amongst other things."

The father-of-two says he has witnessed how just steps such as delaying the cutting of nettles  in certain council run woods like in Harefield by The Old Orchard can have an impact in boosting the number of native butterflies.

"For the first time in the five years that I have been going around the area to photograph native species I have found a noticeable increase in numbers around the woods," he said.

"This is the first time in years the council has delayed chopping off the nettles and the grass, which subsequently has given the opportunity to the butterflies to lay their eggs on their food plant, and the caterpillars went on to grow and turn into chrysalises

"Little things sometimes goes on to have huge impact and we all could do something to help stop this decline of such beautiful creatures that not only are aesthetically beautiful as part of our landscape but they are as important to our ecology.

"Next to bees, butterflies are the biggest pollinators, and we must really make sure we don't lose them."

The results will be posted soon at www.butterfly-conservation.org.

More of Mr Khan's work can be seen at: www.aminart.co.uk.