Welcome
Welcome to members of the East Scotland branch of Butterfly Conservation and to others interested in the conservation of butterflies and moths in our region. We seek to increase our knowledge of the region's butterflies and moths, to assist in their conservation and to encourage the study of these fascinating insects. We run events ourselves and support the events of other organisations too.
Gathering information to inform conservation.
We would very much like to hear about what you have seen and encourage you to take up regular monitoring of butterflies and/or moths. We have Facebook groups for moths and butterflies where you can tell us about your sightings and ask questions. We also have branch members who act as formal recorders for butterflies and moths; details about who they are and how to get your sightings to them can be found through the Recording Butterflies and Moths page.
![Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary [m & f], Clearbrook, Dartmoor, 16.5.20 (Dave Gregory)](/sites/default/files/styles/srcset_medium/public/2020-05/small_pearl-bordered_fritillary_m_f_clearbrook_dartmoor_16.5.20_dave_gregory.jpg?itok=RLSIEuSY)
What's been seen and informally sharing your own sightings
If you have seen or caught a butterfly or moth then why not share this with other branch members? It might be your first sighting of a species for the year, your first ever, or just a cracking photograph! To share your sightings, thoughts and queries or to find out what others are seeing then visit our East Scottish Butterflies Facebook Group or our East Scottish Moths Facebook Group.
Scotland also has the popular ScottishMoths email forum. This is particularly useful for those difficult identifications and also has discussions on all aspects of moth ecology and recording.
Suggested Butterfly Sites
The branch area has many good places to visit to see butterflies. We have details of some shown on a map of suggested butterfly sites.
You can also find out more about our Butterflies and see maps of their distributions across Scotland from our Scottish Butterflies page.
Get involved with surveys
Conservation action is absolutely reliant on information about the distribution and abundance of butterflies and moths. Butterfly Conservation supports a number of surveys help gather this information.
Gardening for Butterflies and Moths
Gardening with butterflies and moths in mind is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your own backyard.
News
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Ministers urged to step in and save Coul Links
Highland Council votes to grant permission for golf course development despite overwhelming opposition.
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Coul Links golf course development deemed too damaging for nature to go ahead
Controversial plans to build a golf course on one of Scotland’s last undeveloped dune systems have suffered a significant set-back this week. Planning Officers from Highland Council have recommended the plans be refused by the North Planning Applications Committee at its 6 December meeting, a move welcomed by the Conservation Coalition campaigning to save Coul Links.
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Dr Amir Khan becomes new Vice President of Butterfly Conservation
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Amir Khan has joined Butterfly Conservation as one of its Vice Presidents.
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Create your own needle felted Jersey Tiger moth
Give yourself or a loved one the gift of craft this Christmas with a Jersey Tiger moth needle felting kit from The Makerss. With a live craft along at 10am on 20 January 2024, treat yourself or someone special, all whilst helping to secure the future of the UK’s butterflies and moths.
Events
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Scotland: Wester Moss Bog Squad Volunteer Work Party
Saturday 6th January 2024, 10:00am-3:00pm
Wester Moss, Fallin (near Stirling)
Join our the Bog Squad project to help with scrub clearance at Wester Moss SSSI near Stirling to improve habitat for the Large Heath butterfly and protect the valuable peatland.
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Scotland: Gorse Clearance in Holyrood Park
Saturday 10th February 2024, 10:00am-3:00pm
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
We will be working to clear gorse from Holyrood Park to benefit the Grayling butterfly.
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Scottish Spring Gathering
Saturday 16th March 2024
AK Bell Library, Perth
Join us for the Spring Gathering of our supporters in Scotland!
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
Please use the form above to contact the branch team with details of your enquiry and your location and we'll get back to you.
If you would like to make postal contact then please send to the recipient care of the Butterfly Conservation Head Office, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP.
Chair:
Apithanny Bourne
Branch Organiser:
Glyn Edwards
Treasurer:
Dr Colin Whitehead
Secretary:
Suzanne Smith
Website manager:
Mark Cubitt
Newsletter editor:
Anthony McCluskey
Membership:
Richard Buckland
Aberdeen area organiser:
Helen Rowe
Perthshire area organiser:
Chris Stamp
Tayside and Angus area organiser:
David Lampard
Fife and Clacks area organiser:
Colin Edwards
Lothians area organiser:
Richard Buckland
Borders area organiser:
Michael Scott