Welcome
We have over 2000 members and the branch stretches from Peterborough in the north of Cambridgeshire to south Essex and the suburbs of NE London.
Across these two great counties we are lucky to have a rich tapestry of butterfly and moth habitats including The Fens, ancient woodland, classic chalk grassland and miles and miles of coast.
Our committee and members are active throughout the year and we meet regularly for conservation work parties, informative field trips and a number of various other get togethers.
If you live in our region and are a member of Butterfly Conservation you automatically become a member of the Cambridgeshire & Essex branch - and we'd love to see you out in the field.
So if you have any questions about butterflies, moths and conservation in our region, please don't hesitate to get in touch with any of us on the committee.
Species to look out for
Crucial to a healthy environment
Moths are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. Areas that are rich in moths are also rich in other invertebrates.
They are an important element of the food chain and are prey for a wide range of birds, bats and other insectivorous animals. For example, in Britain and Ireland, Blue Tits eat an estimated 50 billion caterpillars each year.
An important component of a rich biodiversity
Moths are intrinsically valuable and are worthy of conservation in their own right, part of life on earth and an important component of its rich biodiversity.
It is estimated that they have been around for at least 50 million years and likely first evolved some 200 million years ago!
Why Sir David Attenborough loves moths!
"We hear a lot about the threats to conspicuous and charismatic animals such as birds and mammals, but far less about the insects that make up over half of all the species known to science and which play a vital role in the functioning of the world’s ecosystems"
12 Magnificent Moth Facts
The weird and wonderful world of moths is full of fascinating facts that many people don’t know! Gone are the days they were regarded as the dull runner up to the butterfly! They are spectacular and wonderful in their own right. Here are 12 magnificent moth facts that show you how amazing these creatures are.
What Butterfly Conservation does to save moths
Moths have experienced worrying declines over the past 40 years with several species even becoming extinct in the UK. Sadly, the numbers of many species continue to decline, and it may start feel like there is nothing that can be done… but this is abundantly not true - not on our watch. Butterfly Conservation works across the disciplines of conservation, research science, recording, and education, all of which help prevent moth species from further declines, and even extinction.
News
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Reservoir site to become wildflower meadows with Butterfly Conservation's help
Charity donating seed from nature reserve created on farmland.
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Butterfly partnership sets out to save rare species in Wales
Landowners and volunteers work together to help beautiful Marsh Fritillary.
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Nature charities fight Scottish golf course plan - again
Internationally-important site to be discussed at public inquiry.
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Charities and firefighters launch education drive after fire destroys rare butterfly habitat
Fire service and police investigated vandalism at wildlife haven.
Events
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Work Party - Brampton Wood - Dec 2024
Sunday 22nd December 2024, 10:00am-4:00pm
Please help with conservation work supporting the beautiful and rare Black Hairstreak.
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Work Party – Hadleigh Great Wood – Jan 2025
Sunday 12th January 2025, 10:00am-4:00pm
Join us for important conservation work helping the Heath Fritillary.
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Work Party – Hadleigh Great Wood – Feb 2025
Sunday 16th February 2025, 10:00am-4:00pm
Please join us again for important conservation work helping the Heath Fritillary.
Volunteer with us
Butterfly Conservation relies on the support of thousands of volunteers, and we are always looking for more help inside the office and out in the field. Whether you want to volunteer at a local branch, get outside and help manage our nature reserves, or help with one of our events, we have something for everyone to get involved in! Your time can make a real difference.
Branch information
In your area
Contact branch
- Chairman:
Mike Gittos - County recorder (Cambs):
Edward Pollard - County recorder (Essex):
Rob Smith
