The United Kingdom Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) is one of the longest running insect monitoring schemes in the world. The scheme began in 1976 and now records data on over 3,000 sites per year; incorporating traditional butterfly transects, Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS), and targeted surveys. The resulting UKBMS dataset is one of the most important resources for understanding changes in insect populations.
Our UKBMS transects run between April and September each year and provide a long-term solid foundation to keep an eye on important butterfly trends as the populations shift and change.
You can find the specific methodology of the transects here: Guidance & recording forms, but as a rough idea most transects should be 45min-1 hour to walk and cover 1-2km total with 5-15 sections, mapped out along footpaths that are accessible and likely to remain so reasonably long-term.
The Kent & SE London Butterfly Conservation branch are always on the lookout for volunteers throughout the year to support existing transect routes or find their own important transect routes to walk for butterflies, so if this sounds like something you’re interested in or would like a quick chat about, please get in touch with our Regional Coordinator Dean at [email protected]
Coming up to the transect season from April – September 2025, we will shortly be adding a list of areas that we’re hoping to start or add transects on, so stay tuned or get in touch!