Hot off the press... our latest news, articles and blogs.
News and blog
Sixty per cent of UK species in decline, groundbreaking study finds
UK nature is in trouble – that is the conclusion of a groundbreaking report published today by a coalition of leading conservation and research organisations.
UK Wildlife Is In Real Trouble
By Butterfly Conservation Chief Executive, Dr Martin Warren
European pollinator and plant declines slow, but British butterflies still plummeting
Wildlife declines are depressingly familiar in Britain and across the world. However, a new study, published this week in the international scientific journal Ecology Letters, provides some much needed good news.
Late Show For Rare Spring Butterflies
The coldest start to spring for half a century has led to many butterflies emerging weeks later than usual, Butterfly Conservation has revealed.
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.
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.
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.
Aerial Spraying Not The Answer
Butterfly Conservation is extremely disappointed that the Forestry Commission is going ahead with aerial spraying of a protected wildlife site to control the Oak Processionary Moth.
Born and Bred by Oasis
Women’s fashion retailer Oasis has collaborated with Butterfly Conservation for this year’s spring and summer season to design a unique collection of t-shirts.
Butterfly Conservation Welcomes Neonicotinoid Ban
Butterfly Conservation is pleased that the EU has imposed a ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides which are implicated in the decline of bees.
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.
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.
Richard Fox’s Look Out For: Orange-tip
Richard Fox gives the low down on his pick of what you can see in April.
2012: A Disaster Year For UK Butterflies
Butterflies suffer worst year on record in washout 2012
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.
Agency Merger Bad For Wildlife
A potential merger between Natural England and the Environment Agency could prove a wildlife disaster
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.
Halt The Crisis In The Countryside
Write to your MEP and help safeguard farmland wildlife for the future
Neonicotinoid Pesticide Ban Needed
Neonicotinoid pesticide ban needed
Are You The UK's Most Wildlife-Friendly Farmer?
The search to find the UK’s most wildlife-friendly farmer has been launched.
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.
Moths Suffer 40-Year Crash
The abundance of the UK’s larger moths has crashed during the past 40 years with three species becoming extinct in the last decade, a major scientific report reveals.
Good Result For Forests
Government announce that publicly-owned forest will not be sold off
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.
