Martin Spray

Martin Spray - Chair

Now retired, Martin’s career included 14 years in public organisations, including the Science & Engineering Research Council, followed by 32 years in the nature conservation sector. Martin was Chief Executive Officer of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust for 12 years and ran the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust for 16 years. Martin has extensive Board experience and in 2013 was awarded the CBE, and an honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Roehampton, for services for nature conservation. His interest in butterflies goes back to his childhood.


Apithanny Bourne

Apithanny Bourne

Became Chair of East Scotland Branch of Butterfly Conservation at the age of 24. A background in chemistry, first working for an environmental research institute, and then dedicating her time to study conservation, with a particular interest in urban pollinators. Carries a lifelong fascination and passion for insects and is committed to developing schemes to engage the younger generation.


Hugh Ellerton

Hugh Ellerton - Honorary Treasurer

With a career in financial services as a Chartered Accountant spent time working in France and the Far East.  Recently retired as a professional trustee to spend time furthering his interests in butterfly and moth conservation. Has experience in fund management, audit, administration and governance.


Catrin Evans - Trustee for Butterfly Conservation

 Catrin Evans

Growing up in Cardigan Bay, Wales, inspired Catrin’s interest in butterflies, wildlife, and conservation. Catrin has an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and works as Project Officer at Wellcome. Catrin is passionate about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and has governance experience gained as a member of the Equality Advisory Group, and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality network at The Alan Turing Institute, as well as at the London Ambulance Service as a member of the Disability Awareness Forum. Catrin is proud to have been a part of the first cohort of ‘Success on the Board’ (Advance HE & Wellcome), which is a development programme targeted at people from groups currently underrepresented on governing bodies.


Laurence Harwood

Prof. Laurence Harwood

Background in academia, first at Manchester University and then Merton College Oxford, before becoming Chair of Organic Chemistry at Reading University in 1995. A lifelong Lepidopterist with a strong interest in the welfare of butterflies and moths in the UK.


Elaine King

Dr Elaine King

With a scientific background, and talent for communication and advocacy, Elaine is an experienced Chief Executive with over 20 years' experience in the third sector. A passion for people and the natural environment has led to a career striving to make a difference for animal welfare and nature conservation.


Simon Saville

Simon Saville

Joined Butterfly Conservation in 1985 and has been Chair of the Surrey & SW London Branch since 2016. Now retired from a career in public affairs focussing on digital, marketing, branding and communications. A childhood spent in the Dorset countryside sparked a lifelong passion for butterflies, moths and all types of wildlife. Actively involved in developing conservation projects in London.


Chris Winnick

Chris Winnick 

A butterfly enthusiast since childhood, current Chairman of Cumbria Branch and Acting Joint Chair of Lancashire Branch - “has a real sense of enjoyment giving presentations to societies on the promotion of our countryside and on the work of BC as a key part of how all can enjoy the countryside”.