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)
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.
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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Has the ‘COVID effect’ worn off for nature lovers?
Big Butterfly Count sees a drop in participants compared to 2020 and 2021, and urges the public not to forget the benefits of being connected to nature – and it’s not too late to take part!
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Migratory monarch butterfly now Endangered - IUCN Red List
Gland, Switzerland, 21 July 2022 (IUCN) – The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus), known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas, has entered the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM as Endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change.
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Butterfly scientists call on public for help.
Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with a warning that time is running out to help save species.
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Butterflies, heatwaves, and drought
The heatwave currently being experienced by some southern and eastern parts of the UK is of concern for human health and the welfare of pets and livestock, but what about our butterflies?
Events
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Helping Hands for Butterflies: thank-you event
Monday 26th September
Online
The Helping Hands for Butterflies Project ends in September - join us online to reflect on the project and its successes!
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Scotland Members' Day 2022
Saturday 8th October
Online
Join us online for a morning of fascinating talks about our work in Scotland.
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Barry Buddon Nature Day
Sunday 21st August
Barry Buddon MOD Training Centre, Monifieth, Angus
Join volunteers from the East Scotland branch to discover the wildlife of Barry Buddon - a place not normally open to the public.
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 Scottish Office: Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling, FK8 2QG.
Chair:
Apithanny Bourne
Branch Organiser:
Glyn Edwards
Treasurer:
Dr Colin Whitehead
Secretary:
Suzanne Smith
Website manager:
Mark Cubitt
Newsletter editor and membership:
Richard Buckland
Butterfly advisor:
Duncan Davidson
Aberdeen area organiser:
Helen Rowe
Perthshire area organiser:
Cathy Cauldwell
Tayside area organiser:
David Lampard
Angus area organiser:
Paul Brooks
Fife and Clacks area organiser:
Colin Edwards
Lothians area organiser:
Richard Buckland
Borders area organiser:
Michael Scott