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2024
Members Afternoon And Photographic Competition
We invite all Norfolk Butterfly Conservation members to our Norfolk Branch Members' Afternoon
Saturday 2nd November 2024, 2:30pm-5:00pm.
Hethersett Village Hall, Back Lane, Hethersett, NR9 3JJ
This year’s Members’ Afternoon will focus on Swallowtails – not only our own Papilio machaon but equally its many relatives around the world. More information in the Spring 2024 Newsletter and on the Events page.
The branch will be at the following events
Andy Brazil
11th January
We are sad to inform you of the death County Recorder Andy Brazil. As a result of his work over many years our knowledge of Norfolk butterflies has been increased many fold. He will be greatly missed within the butterfly community. Our thoughts are with his family.
2023
Autumn 2023 Newsletter
Butterflies and Moths need you!
The committee is now in a difficult situation , with many posts unfilled and some members undertaking more than one role. This is not a good situation to be in. We urgently need new volunteers. Next year we are going to have to reduce our activities unless more people come forward to help. There may be fewer (if any) events and field trips, and the Members’ Day will need to be reconsidered.
We are currently looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:-
- Chairman
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Field trip Co-ordinator
- Newsletter Editor
- Moth Officer
- WCBS Co-ordinator
Please contact the secretary if interested and further information.
The latest newsletter has been sent out and should be delivered to our branch member by now.
The Winners of the Photographic Competition
UK Butterfly - number 6 Harry Faull Marbled White
UK Moth - number 2 Valerie Walker Cinnabar moth
International - number 4 Steve Evans Striped Hawkmoth
Under 18 - number 5 Tyler Hood Marbled White
Members’ afternoon
Saturday 7 October 2023 at 2:00 pm
Hethersett Village Hall
Back Lane, Hethersett, NR9 3JJ
The 2023 Members’ Afternoon promises to be a memorable one. We welcome two experts in butterfly ecology to talk about how the data we collect informs conservation research.
The State of the UK’s Butterflies
The keynote presentation will be given by:
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation.
Richard has led Butterfly Conservation’s recording work for over 25 years, developing the Big Butterfly Count, National Moth Recording Scheme and iRecord Butterflies app. He has written numerous reports and papers using BC’s data to understand and reverse Lepidoptera decline.
Richard’s talk will present the latest assessment of long-term abundance and distribution trends for UK butterflies, based on sightings contributed by members and the general public, and show how targeted species conservation action can turn around the fortunes of threatened butterflies.
Northern butterfly species under climate change
Dr Aldina Franco is an Associate Professor in Ecology and Global Environmental Change at the University of East Anglia, with research interests in understanding biodiversity responses to environmental change including land use and climate change.
Aldina’s research with butterflies showed that Northern UK species are retracting their distributions to higher latitudes and elevations associated with climate change. The talk will focus on work she has done in Northern England and Scotland and how we can quantify changes in butterfly distributions over time.
Also:
› Tea and cake!
› Photographic competition results,
› 2nd-hand book stall
› A brief AGM and election of Branch officers.
Sandringham Flower Show 26 July
We had a successful presence at the 2023 Sandringham Flower Show. There was a steady stream of visitors, many with questions about identifying species or about how to improve their gardens for wildlife. We sold a few copies of the new Atlas and some fold-out field guides, and received numerous donations. Alan and Jen manned the stall for most of the day, after Graham got it opened up and started in the morning. We even caught a glimpse of the King and Queen, but unfortunately they didn't see us!
Field visit to Cockley Cley
There were 8 members altogether, 7 had followed your instructions about how to get there and the parking. One man, from Kings Lynn, had been hopelessly lost and arrived 40 mins late. There was no signal for my telephone there so I'm assuming others may have had that problem too, maybe sat nav not working.
The walk started with a fine misty rain, it became drier with heavy clouds and only a few brighter spells. There were butterflies around even in the wet weather, Meadow Browns were in abundance and also Skippers. Daniel Cooper was making note of the species we saw and the numbers, they will be sent to David Prince.
All members of the party were happy with the amount of things we saw, not only butterflies but moths, bees, beetles and birds. Lovely wildflowers including some Bee Orchids certainly a place worth going back to.
The walk lasted 3 hours, it went by so quickly.
Kind regards
Heather
Report on Holt CP Field Trip, 14th June 2023
The weather forecast was awful for the morning, so unsurprisingly very few members turned up. However, the Park Rangers, Annie and Andre, despite the gloomy and occasionally damp weather, managed to get us good views of: Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small White. The place must be absolutely swarming with butterflies on a nice day!
Alan Dawson
Catfield Fen Moth Event Field Report
21st June 2023
Good moth event at Catfield Fen today with plenty of variety. Full species record coming later but included an impressive array of different Wainscot species, a pretty yellow-coloured female Drinker, Eyed, Elephant and Poplar Hawkmoths, some nice micro moths as well as Catfield specialities Lemke’s Gold Spot and Reed Leopard. Many thanks to RSPB’S Mick A’Court for setting and recovering traps and to Mick and Greg Bond for taking on the identification and recording. A Norfolk Hawker dragonfly took a shine to one of the assembled mothers!
Press release from the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society.
19th June 2023
Norfolk naturalists return rare blue butterfly to its former home
Naturalists have translocated 35 Silver-studded blue butterflies from Buxton Heath to their former haunt at Broadland Country Park, near Horsford, after an absence of more than 70 years. This lovely but scarce and delicate species has been lost from more than 80% of its former habitats in the past century as the heathland was converted to forestry and housing. It is currently found at only four Norfolk locations.
The site at Broadland Country Park was the original source of butterflies introduced to Horsford Rifle Range, Buxton Heath and Kelling Heath, but the original population was destroyed in the 1950s when plantation forestry took over. With the trees now removed, heather and black ants, which the butterflies need to complete their life cycle, have returned, and the species should once again thrive in its former home.
The project involved several partners, as Dr Mark Collins, who leads the project for the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society, said: “This is a protected species, and we had permission from Natural England, as well as vital support from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, who manage Buxton Heath, and Butterfly Conservation, which has unrivalled experience of such translocations.”
The caterpillars are protected from predators and parasites by a species of black ant that takes them down into their nests, where they pupate and over-winter before emerging as adults in June. “We carried out a detailed survey to ensure that the ants were present in good numbers, and the heather was in good condition for the nectar-feeding adults”, explained Dr Collins, “but it will be a while before we know whether the reintroduction has fully succeeded”. Monitoring at the Park will continue for at least five years.
Alan Dawson, who monitors the Silver-studded blue at Buxton Heath for Butterfly Conservation, said: “The butterfly has done very well indeed here, and it was time to take some individuals back to their restored home”.
The Country Park was established by Broadland District Council just a few years ago and is a popular site for local people. Dave Weaver, an award-winning volunteer, said: “With careful management, this will be an important site for nature recovery and biodiversity in Norfolk. During a three-year research project with NNNS, more than 2000 species of plants and animals have been found, and the return of the iconic Silver-studded blue to its former home is a moment of great pride to us all.”
Still images attached (hi-res available); video also available on request. Credit: Hans Watson.
Contact: Dr Mark Collins, Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society - 07941 248 100; [email protected]>
Stoke Ferry Field Report
Unlike 2022, this year the sun shone and it was a beautiful warm day at Stoke Ferry, enjoyed by 10 BC members, but sadly not by the Dingy and Grizzled Skippers which obstinately refused to put in an appearance. Reports from other sites suggest that they probably have not yet emerged. However, there were good numbers of other species: Brimstone, Large White, Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Brown Argus (lots!), Peacock, Burnet Companion.
Winter Wildlife Family Event
The Norfolk Branch contributed a stand at the recent Winter Wildlife Family Event that was organised by the Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group. The event was held in the Swanton Morley village hall on Friday 17th February. As intended the event attracted a large number of family groups with lots of children. As well as the usual leaflets and information items we took our badge maker which proved to be a hit with the children. We also ran a moth trap prior to the event and were able to take six species of winter moths with accompanying photographs of each. Again, this was very popular with the junior visitors. The stand was supplemented with a photographic display board featuring a variety of butterflies and moths and this included two photo story boards on the return of the Silver-washed Fritillary to Norfolk and the moth pollination of Greater Butterfly-orchids. Report and photos supplied by Mike Gasson
Death of Judy Dunmore
It is with great sadness that I report the sudden death of Judy Dunmore who died on Thursday, January 26 while on holiday in the Caribbean.
Judy first joined the Norfolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation in 1989 and became Branch Chair in 1999. This was a post that she relished and I know that many of you will know her from this time. She continued as Chair until 2021 and was awarded the Butterfly Conservation Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2022. She remained an active member of the Branch Committee and recently took on the post of Branch Treasurer.
Judy’s knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for the natural world in Norfolk were very evident to those around her and greatly appreciated by our members. She was immensely practical, excellent at organising things and very supportive of those around her. She will be greatly missed.
She leaves behind her loving husband Giles, her children Louise and Nick, her grandchildren and her many, many friends at Butterfly Conservation.
Zoom talk by Dr Jeff Price
The zoom talk by Dr Jeff Price listed in the Autumn 2022 Newsletter has been postponed. We will announce the new date as soon as it is arranged.
Happy New Year to all our members
Thank you for your support in 2022 and we look forward to see you at our events in 2023. For the details of the latest events go to our events page.
If you are interested in getting involved in running the Norfolk branch look at the Branch Committee page for vacant positions
2022
Borneo butterflies reveal the effects of environmental change
Zoom talk by Professor Jane Hill from University of York
Zoom talk by Professor Jane Hill from University of York
In you missed our first zoom talk on the 2nd December below is a record of it
The "cc" button brings up the subtitles.
Branch AGM and Member's Afternoon
Over 50 members turned up at Hethersett Village Hall on 1 October for the Branch AGM and Member’s Afternoon to hear Andrew Middleton and Liz Goodyear talk with illustrations about their lifelong fascination with Purple Emperor butterflies. Their enthusiasm and dedication has identified sites across East Anglia where these butterflies can be seen during their peak flight time in June and July. Sightings centre around Sallow trees – the ones with catkins and pussywillows-- especially if there is a nearby oak tree. Tales of “grounding” where the males could be seen extracting salt from the ground, and territorial “fights” around the oak canopy fascinated the audience and there was a great deal of chat over the tea and splendid cakes.
The results of the Photographic Competition were announced and a very brief business meeting re-elected the current Committee and made a further plea for new members.
2022 Photographic Competition Results
Thank you everyone who entered entered and voted for the photographic competition.
The number of entries was higher than last year and the quality of the photos has been very high.
The winner of the Butterfly category was 1B White-letter Hairstreak by John Furse
The winner of the Moth category was 34M Red-tipped Clearwing by John Furse
The winner of the Junior category was 3J Brown Argus by Tyler Hood
2022 Photographic Competition
I hope you’ve got your photographs ready for the Photographic Competition. Entries can be submitted from Saturday 27 August to 9 September. All the information you need to send in your entries is on page 9 of the Spring Newsletter. If you’ve mislaid your copy or there’s something you don’t understand, please let me know as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sending in a photo, all members are eligible to vote for their favourite butterfly and moth and page 9 explains when and how you can do this. Winners will be announced during the Member’s Afternoon on Saturday, 1st of October.
Zoom Talk By John Geesons
In case you missed the first talk of 2022 on 5th August, below is the video of the talk. The "cc" button brings up the subtitles.
Lynford Water Field Trip Report
9 members turned up. The site was burnt to a crisp and very few butterflies flying. No Grayling but the following:
- Large White
- Small White
- Small Copper
- Common Blue
- Red Admiral
- Comma
- Gatekeeper
- Meadow Brown
- Small Heath
- Hummingbird Hawk moth
- Cinnabar
- Brown Hawker dragonfly
- Emperor dragonfly
- Common Blue damselfly
Photographic Competition 2021 - Results
To see winning photos of the Photographic Competition go to the Photographic Competition 2021
Photographic Competition 2021 - Voting now open
The closing date has now passed.
To see the entries and find out how to vote go to Photographic Competition 2021.
2021
Photographic Competition 2021 - How to enter
With the restrictions in place this year I hope you’ve been able to take lots of photo- graphs of butterflies and moths in your garden and within Norfolk. Once again, we were unable to hold our usual competition at the zoom Member’s Afternoon in October so we will, hopefully just once more, do it online.
To enter:
- Photographs must have been taken in Norfolk during 2021
- Email jpeg files to [email protected]
- Include your name and the species name separately in the email
- Maximum of 3 entries per person
Deadline for entries is 9 January 2022
All the entries will feature on the Branch website with instructions on how to vote. Winning photographs will be published in the Spring Newsletter.
By entering the competition you also agree that your photographs can be published on our website, social media and other material. Photographer credits will be given.
Members Day 2021
This year we had our Members Day on zoom due the current circumstances. We would like to thank the 37 people who signed into zoom. There was most likely more members as there saw sometimes more the one member watching.
Below are the recordings of the three talks that took place.
Andy Brazil: Highlights of 2020-2021 Norfolk butterfly records
Will Fitch: Butterflies of Wheatfen, Past, Present and Future
Mike Gasson: Swallowtails at Catfield Fen
Members Day 2019 Minutes
Below are the minutes from the last members day in 2019. Due to Covid we didn't hold a members day in 2020.
Please read the minutes before this years members day (details below) and you will be able to questions on the day.
document 22.96 KB
Member’s Afternoon/ AGM 2021
The Committee has realised that we’re not quite out of the “Covid” wood yet and decided to hold the meeting on Zoom. I hope that you will keep the date in your diary and make a point of joining us on
Saturday, 23 October at 2.30pm
Join from14:15 (meeting starts at 14:30)
(Meeting ID: 895 0171 3098 Passcode: 4567)
Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89501713098?pwd=VXd6R3EwMjBUdXRhbmpmbXFyT2Rhdz09
At this meeting we will, sadly, be saying au revoir to three stalwarts of the Branch.
Judy Dunmore has been our Chair for 22 years and, under her leadership, the Branch has gone from strength to strength. Happily, she will remain on the committee, if re-elected, in an advisory capacity.
Greg Bond has been our moth “expert” for several years, serving as the Branch Moth Officer for many of them. His expertise and sound advice will be sorely missed.
Derek Longe has served the Committee as Minute Secretary for 20 years. He is very much a local wildlife naturalist, and we will continue to look forward to tales from his garden.
Although not strictly an Annual General Meeting, the afternoon will include elections to the Branch Committee for members’ approval. Committee members are elected for a term of three years. At the end of that time they may be re-elected.
Standing for re-election this year – with their current job titles – are
Alan Dawson – Transect Coordinator; Graham Phillips – Treasurer; Jennifer Dawson -Membership Secretary; Andy Brazil – County Recorder; Mike Gasson – Conservation Officer; Kiri Stuart- Clarke – Publicity Officer; Heather Goody; Judy Dunmore
Saffron Summerfield, Aldina Franco (both previously co-opted), David Prince- prospective Wider Countryside Officer and Michelle Walkling – prospective Events Organiser.
If no objections are received prior to the 23rd, all the above will be elected.
If you would like to join the Committee, please get in touch.
The main business of the afternoon will be
- A brief introduction by Andy Brazil highlighting interesting sightings in the last 2 summers,
- An illustrated presentation by Will Fitch, Warden of Wheatfen Nature Reserve, entitled “Butterflies of Wheatfen, Past, Present and Future” with lots of stories about Large Coppers, Swallowtails, Fritillaries etc,
- An illustrated talk by Mike Gasson about Swallowtail butterflies at Catfield.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions via the “Chat” facility on zoom.
The Photographic Competition, which I know many of you look forward to, will be announced nearer Christmas.
Foxley Wood 27th - 28th July 2021
After a drizzly night we once again gathered in the car park at NWT’ s excellent Foxley Wood reserve, this time at least resisting the temptation to check the tree tops for large purple butterflies! Some 15 people were in attendance while we opened the 2 actinic and single MV Robinson trap which Mike Gasson had put out the night before. In total we recorded 98 species from the traps and Stewart Wright later added 19 more from checking for leaf mines and larval cases.
Highlights included several Mere Wainscots and Small Dotted Buffs, Plain Golden Y, a couple of Large Emeralds, 18 Poplar, 6 Elephant and a single Pine Hawkmoth as well as impressive numbers of Minor Shoulder Knots and uncountable numbers of Common and Dingy Footmen., mostly from the MV trap which had been strategically placed at the cross junction of 2 rides. Probably though the most important sighting was the very recently new for Norfolk Elachista adscitella which mines Tufted Hair Grass.
National Moth Night 8/9th July 2021
With the focus this year on wetlands and reedbeds the Butterfly Conservation reserve at Catfield fen was an easy choice for an event, which unfortunately had to be limited to 30 people because of current restrictions.
The morning dawned quite fine, despite the unwanted “biblical” deluge which swept across the reserve while Mick A’Cort of the RSPB and Mike Gasson were trying to put the traps out. Happily they succeeded so we had six traps to open that morning.
Catfield is a wonderful site for moths and although affected by the previous night’s conditions numbers and variety from the traps did not disappoint with 91 species in total. For most the visually attractive Elephant Hawkmoths (24 recorded), the local Lempkes Gold spot (9) and single Eyed and Privet Hawkmoths and Peach Blossom were the highlights but everyone was also able to admire local specialities like Dotted (31) and Small Dotted (40) Footmen and Reed Leopard (28) as well as a number of very special micro moths such as Acleris lorquinana and Epinotia cruciana.
So despite the earlier torrential downpour and the restrictions on numbers it was a successful morning, for which special thanks are due to Mick (and his mate) and Mike for putting out and retrieving the traps and Andy and Andrew for recording everything on the lists, a copy of which is available on the moth page.
Talk on Grayling Butterfly in the Brecks — in decline or under-recorded? By Sharon Hearle
On Wednesday 5th May we had our second zoom talk on the Marsh Carpet Moth given by Sharon Hearle. If you missed the talk you can see it below. Click the play arrow at the bottom left of the picture to play the video.
Talk on March Carpet by Sharon Hearle
On Wed 3rd March we had our first zoom talk on the Marsh Carpet Moth given by Sharon Hearle. If you missed the talk you can see it below. Click the play arrow at the bottom left of the picture to play the video.
We will be announce further events on our event page.
The branch is looking for a Moth Officer
This position and the time it takes are very much what the holder would like to make it but generally as a minimum it might include: -
- Organising several moth trap opening events in the County. This can include setting traps the night before, collecting them in and opening them for members. The branch has a few of its own moth traps and can generally call up others where required and are normally able to help with putting traps out etc and identification if needed.
- Submission of records from these events to the Norfolk Moth recorder and to meeting attendees.<
- Attendance at Group committee meetings and the AGM
- Contribute occasional articles for the Branch newsletter, website, Twitter, and Facebook.
- Occasional liaison with Head Office/Conservation staff regarding moths in the county
- Liaison with Norfolk Moth Survey and the County Moth Recorder with whom we have a good working relationship.
If you would like to help, then please, in the first instance, contact Greg Bond at [email protected] or on 01263 579520
Sad News
It is with deep regret that the Branch announces the death of Roland Rogers who passed away, after a short illness, just before Christmas at the age of 93. Roland had been associated with the Norfolk Branch for 30 years serving as Chairman and Treasurer. An obituary will appear in the Spring Newsletter.
Thank you for your continuing support during the difficult times of 2020
Whilst we have not been able to have our normal mixture of indoor and outdoor meeting many of you have keep in touch via our social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter. It has been great to see your photos, read your sightings and help with ID questions. We know that with more people using zoom to keep contact with family, friends and work the use of social media has increased. If you need help with social media then please use the Contact Branch section on the home page.
2020
Updated guidance for butterfly and moth recorders relating to Coronavirus Covid-19
04th June 2020
Further significant changes and clarification relating to outdoor activities have been made to the government restrictions that were brought in March to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Across the UK, the key message remains to stay at home as much as possible and to follow social distancing rules. However, the specific details vary from country to country.
In England and Northern Ireland, it is now possible for butterfly and moth recording to resume for people who are not shielding or self-isolating.
In Scotland and Wales, it is also now possible for people who are not shielding or self- isolating to resume butterfly and moth recording. However, guidance in Scotland and Wales remains more restrictive in terms of travelling, so you should only record at sites within your local area (roughly 5 miles from home).
Recorders in all four nations must, at all times, continue to observe the appropriate social distancing guidelines for their country. This includes remaining at least two metres away from anyone outside your household. If you have coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home. Restrictions on the number of people from other households that you can meet vary across the UK so check the current guidance from the websites below.
You should also be aware that nature reserves and other sites may not be open to the public or may be maintaining local restrictions that do not permit butterfly and moth recording. Further advice on staying safe outdoors is available.
We will continue to monitor advice from the UK Government and the devolved administrations, and will produce revised guidance when the time is right. Please check for any updates at www.butterfly-conservation.org. If you have any queries regarding this advice, please contact the recording team at [email protected]
Thank you for your continued co-operation.
Please continue to follow the latest guidance from your appropriate administration:
England: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus,
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19
Wales: https://gov.wales/coronavirus
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
Sunday 14th June
White-letter hairstreak, Small and Essex skippers and White Admiral reported our country recorder Andy
Saturday 15th June
Dark Green Fritillary reported from Holkham
14th May News Round Up
What funny weather we’re having! One day its sweltering and the next we’re back in our winter woollies.
I’ve printed out a list supplied by County Recorder Andy Brazil of butterflies seen in our area up to 7 May. You may not have seen all of them in your neck of the woods, but they are about, so keep spotting and recording. Next to fly should be the Common Blue and the Swallowtail….and I’ve just heard Swallowtails have been seen already!
Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White,
Brimstone, Clouded Yellow, Orange tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper,
Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock,
Comma, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown,
Small Tortoiseshell, Large Tortoiseshell
I have highlighted the Large Tortoiseshell because there have been eleven sightings of this rare butterfly recently in Norfolk and Suffolk. Some of you may have seen the write up in The Times:
“Not to be confused with the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, a very common household species which frequents gardens across the UK during the summer months, the Large Tortoiseshell is an immigrant species.”
Kiri Stuart-Clarke, one of the Branch Committee members, says
“We’re asking the public to help us by recording any sightings they make. The weather and wind direction has been favourable for immigration so they could pop up just about anywhere. If you are lucky enough to spot a Large Tortoiseshell either in your own garden or while on your daily exercise you can record your sightings and contribute to our data. Go to Butterfly-conservation.org/mysightings to download the iRecord app. And don’t forget to share a picture of your sighting too.
“It’s important to provide a positive identification when submitting a recording as it could be easy to mis-identify the butterfly as a Small Tortoiseshell or Comma. The native Small Tortoiseshell is obviously much smaller, while the Large Tortoiseshell also has distinguishing features including uneven forewing bars, an extra black forewing spot and is a paler orange in colour.”
And finally, a very early Meadow Brown was spotted in Norwich on 7 May, the earliest ever recorded!
Jen Dawson Membership Secretary, Norfolk Branch
9th April
First Green Hairstreak reported and I've now had several Large White sightings so it seems they were just late.
Here's all sightings of Green Hairstreak since 2011. They have been reported in gardens - but not often
From County Recorder Andy
Due to the current circumstances we are unable to produce our Spring Newsletter. Below are three reports covering Butterflies, Moths and Transect. We plan to produce an Autumn Newsletter Later in the year.
Please click the link below the picture to access the articles.
Butterfly Report 2019 by Andy Brazil Country Butterfly Recorder
pdf 460.21 KB
Moth Matters Report by David Norgate Norfolk Moth Officer
pdf 1.15 MB
Transect Report from Alan Dawson Transect Co-Ordinator
pdf 508.24 KB
Due to Coronavirus Covid-19 all Butterfly Conservation Norfolk events have been cancelled until further notice.
Take a break in nature and spend some time outdoors butterfly spotting.
- You can identify the species you spot the Identify a butterfly page
- We’d love you to share your sightings on Twitter @BC_Norfolk and Facebook @ButterflyConservationNorfolk. Butterfly Conservation will be sharing interesting facts, updates and images under the hashtag #feelbetterwithbutterflies.
- You can also contribute your sightings online to the Garden Butterfly Survey scheme which is run by Butterfly Conservation.
Speaking of sightings, have you submitted all your butterfly and moth records? Why not get out your old notebooks and check if all those records from previous years are safely lodged with your county recorder? You can submit even your old butterfly records online or using mobile apps.
Plant some wildflower seeds for our summer pollinators. Seeds are easy to buy online, or perhaps there’s a few left over in your shed from last year.
Build an Insect A&E. We are encouraging people to help build special areas to support butterflies and bumblebees with the help of Channel 5’s Dr Amir Khan. You can find out more on our website and enter a competition to win some garden plants.
Please look after yourselves
2019
- Roland Rogers receives Outstanding Volunteer award
- Members' Day and AGM 2019
- Annual Chalkhill Blue count at Warham Camp
- Tyrells Wood field trip report
- Holt Country Park field trip report
- Marbled Whites at Cranwich Heath
- Cranwich Heath field trip report
- Moth event at Weeting Heath report
- Moth event at Pigney's Wood
- Kelling Heath field trip report
- Purple Emperor now the 37th species in Norfolk
- World Swallowtail Day at Wheatfen field trip report
- Grimes Graves, Weeting Heath and Cranwich Heath moth events report
2018
- Horsey Gap Walk field trip report
- Pigney's Wood field trip report
- Bradfield Woods field trip report
- Foxley Wood field trip report
- Beeston Common field trip report
- Buxton Heath field trip report
- Butterfly Alert number 8
2017
- Beeston Common field trip report