Welcome to the Butterfly Conservation News Blog. We’ll bring you breaking conservation news from our team of scientists, videos and podcasts from our reserves, rare butterfly and moth sightings from around the UK and of course – ‘Tales From The Trap’ – weekly highlights from the BC Towers moth trap.
News Blog
Ask Your MP To Stand Up For Moths
You can help moths by asking your local MP to sign up to an early day motion which calls on the Government to take urgent action to save our dwindling moth populations.
Richard Fox’s Look Out For: Dingy Skipper
This small, moth-like butterfly is one of the first of our threatened species to emerge in the year.
Dig It - May tips from the Secret Gardener
Nettles are important foodplants for the caterpillars of several butterflies and moths. They have also been grown in herb gardens for centuries and can provide many benefits for people too.
Airport Extension Threatens Rare Moths
The Government’s decision to give the go-ahead for the expansion of Lydd Airport in the area is one of those decisions that leaves us aghast and dismayed.
Shifting Butterfly Baselines
So the results are out. 2012 was the worst year for butterflies in the UK since detailed national population monitoring began in 1976.
Richard Fox’s Look Out For: Orange-tip
Richard Fox gives the low down on his pick of what you can see in April.
Dig It - April tips from the Secret Gardener
Our "Secret Gardener" reveals their top tips on getting your garden ready for the next month ahead.
Tales From The Trap - March 2013 Week 3
Les Hill explains why some recorders who would normally record all year round still haven’t switched their traps on at all as it’s so cold!
Emerging from Winter
We British are very interested in the weather. It’s a national obsession, and nowhere more so than among Britain’s butterfly and moth enthusiasts.
Tales From The Trap - February 2013 Week 4
Les Hill gives his verdict on February 2013, and how it compares to records over the years. Will things get better or worse?
Conservation Car Crash Coming?
Since the 1950s, the UK has developed a world leading system of conserving its natural heritage. But these hard won gains are now being steadily eroded in the rush to save money and deregulate.
Tales From The Trap - January 2013 Week 4
This week Les Hill looks at what methods can be used to get your records into your computer and ultimately into the National Moth Recording Scheme.
Tales From The Trap - January 2013 Week 3
With a mix of rain, wind, snow and frost not a moth has dared enter the BC Towers Moth Trap this week, so instead Les Hill explains why recording moths is more important than ever... when they do arrive!
National Trust Guest Blog - Octavia Hill Awards
The National Trust explains the importance of volunteering, and why The Octavia Hill Awards are so celebrated.
You Say Butterfly, I Say Moth
‘What is the difference between butterflies and moths?’ - Richard Fox, Surveys Manager tackles this often asked question.
RSPB Guest Blog - Big Garden Birdwatch
With snow on the ground there is not a butterfly in sight - but there are still plenty of birds! Join the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch and count how many.
Tales From The Trap - January 2013 Week 2
The first 2013 report from Les Hill, Senior Data Manager, National Moth Recording Scheme and Dorset County Macro-moth Recorder reports from the BC Towers Moth Trap.
Tales From The Trap - January 2013 Week 1
The first 2013 report from Les Hill, Senior Data Manager, National Moth Recording Scheme and Dorset County Macro-moth Recorder.
Hunting Brown Hairstreak Eggs In Winter
Dr Martin Warren, Chief Executive at Butterfly Conservation goes hunting for eggs...
Tales From The Trap - December 2012 Week 3
A special Christmas report from Les Hill. The ‘Towers Trap’ sits in a sheltered corner of Butterfly Conservation’s headquarters in rural Dorset.
Heating and Hibernation
Richard Fox, Butterfly Conservation Surveys Manager explains butterfly and moth "hibernation"
Tales From The Trap - December 2012 Week 2
The ‘Towers Trap’ sits in a sheltered corner of Butterfly Conservation’s headquarters in rural Dorset.
Tales From The Trap - December 2012 Week 1
Reports from Les Hill, Senior Data Manager, National Moth Recording Scheme and Dorset County Macro-moth Recorder.
Migration Memories
Richard Fox, Butterfly Conservation Surveys Manager reminisces...
