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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State of Nature 2023 reveals devastating declines for UK wildlife
Moths and butterflies amongst UK wildlife in decline, State of Nature 2023 report reveals.
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Moth once presumed extinct in the UK found in the Chilterns
Butterfly Conservation has recorded over 40 sightings of the rare Downland Plume moth in an area of the Chilterns in recent months.
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Butterfly Conservation calls for ban on neonicotinoids
New research shows neonicotinoid pesticides are threatening the UK’s wildlife, including butterflies and moths.
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Rare moth back from the brink in Kent
The Black-veined Moth has seen a bumper year in East Kent thanks to the restoration efforts of local famers.
Events
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Lothian Moth Recorders meet up - Autumn 2023
Sunday 1st October 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm
Lothian moth-ers get together at Gilmerton Walled Garden (near East Linton)
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Scottish Autumn Gathering
Saturday 7th October, 10am - 4.30pm
AK Bell Library, Perth
Members and volunteers in Scotland are invited to join us for our gathering in Autumn.
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Scotland: Bog Squad Work Party at Easter Drumclair
Saturday 14th October 2023, 10:00am-3:00pm
Easter Drumclair Moss, Limerigg
The Bog Squad will be visiting Easter Drumclair Moss at Limerigg, to remove invasive scrub. Removal of these small conifer trees is vital to protect the habitat from drying out and threatening the specialist species that live on the moss.
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