Never before have we needed nature so much.
Nature has provided so much pleasure to us during the difficult months of lockdown.
It was a reminder that nature is always here for us, even when everything else feels uncertain. But now nature urgently needs us to give something back to help conserve it for future generations.
We know that times are tough for many people now, but if you can, please consider giving a gift back to nature.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across the country; Butterfly Conservation has not been left unscathed.
We are facing major financial challenges; fundraising events have been cancelled and many other sources of income are on hold.
We have been working hard to reduce expenditure, including furloughing staff where possible, but unfortunately our financial projections for the next two to three years show this won't be enough. We are now taking more drastic action. This includes a staff consultation in which we are discussing a plan to ensure we can maintain key work over the next few years with a reduced budget. Sadly, this will result in losing some talented and valued staff.
This means we will have to cut back on much-needed conservation work, unless you can help us make up the shortfall.

Help us continue this fightback
Before isolation began, there were signs of hope for butterflies. Thanks to the work of our wonderful scientists, conservation officers, members, supporters and volunteers, just over half of UK butterfly species showed higher population levels in 2019 than in 2018.
With your help we will continue this fight back and work for a safer future for butterflies, moths and all wildlife.
Please consider giving a gift back to nature this summer.
Below are some examples of ongoing priority work that we currently need funding for:

Research and data analysis - our conservation work is founded on high quality data and our scientists continue to work to understand the threats facing butterflies, moths and other wildlife.

Education and engagement – we are producing free online resources for both children and adults designed to improve mental health and wellbeing. We are still supporting our citizen scientists, getting people to log and count butterfly species they see in their own gardens to help us to track species across the UK.

Supporting farmers – we are still supporting farmers with Countryside Stewardship Scheme applications and providing support and advice with ongoing farmland projects.

Planning for the future – we are developing plans and new projects to ensure the ongoing protection of threatened and widespread species throughout the UK.

Making change in the heart of government – we are working with government ministers across the UK to influence environmental policy, for instance ensuring that the England environment bill protects our precious pollinators.
We share our practical experience as well as the latest research on how to manage land for butterflies and moths to ensure future agricultural support schemes benefit wildlife. When this crisis is over, society will have the chance to make choices about the way we rebuild our future.

"If we don't take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon."
David Attenborough, Butterfly Conservation President
If you would prefer not to donate online you can:
Phone us on 01929 406015.
Send a cheque made out to Butterfly Conservation to Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5QP.
Donate by text message: Text BUTTERFLY 5 to 70460 to donate £5. (Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message).