Welcome
Although a third of the UK in terms of land area, Scotland has less than one-tenth of the population, so ensuring our butterflies and moths are well-recorded can present quite a challenge to our volunteers and staff. Despite the seemingly unfavourable weather, our butterflies and moths are generally faring better in the uplands than in the intensively-farmed east.
Butterfly Conservation's local branches in Scotland are:
East Scotland Branch
Glasgow and SW Scotland Branch
Highlands and Islands Branch
Help us with our Priority Species work!
As part of Butterfly Conservation's 2021-2026 strategy, we are focusing efforts our priority species efforts on 27 butterfly and moths in Scotland. Find out more on how you can help on our Scottish Priority Species pages.
Get involved in the Wild Spaces Perth and Stirling Project!
Help us make the cities of Perth and Stirling into hotspots for butterflies, moths and other wildlife! This new project is kicking off in January 2023, and we need volunteers to help us plant new urban woodlands and meadows to help these insects. If you're interested, contact Project Officer Anthony McCluskey on @email
We have enjoyed excellent long-term support from NatureScot for our conservation activities in Scotland.
Species to look out for
Projects & Surveys
Bog Squad
Learn about our successful project to conserve the butterflies and moths of lowland bogs in central Scotland
Helping Hands for Butterflies
Our Helping Hands for Butterflies project ended in October 2022, but all the resources are still online here. There'll you'll find videos and guides to help you identify and record the butterflies of Scotland, Wildflower Identification courses, and guides to create new wildflower meadows.
Munching Caterpillars Scotland This project helped primary schools to encourage butterflies, moths and caterpillars to their school grounds. In the process we aimed to enthuse the next generation of conservationists to get active for wildlife. Find fun information and resources for your family/class or youth group.
Butterfly Postcard Survey results
Here we give summaries of some of the postcard and other surveys that you have helped us with over recent years.
Priority Species updates
Find out about how to get involved with our Priority Species work
MSP Nature Champions
Learn about the MSPs who are championing the cause of some of our most threatened butterflies and moths
Publications and videos
Scottish Newsletters
Low resolution copies of our annual 'Herald' newsletter, and copies of our quarterly e-news.
Habitat and species leaflets
We have now made these leaflets easier to download and print.
Butterfly and Moth ID guides
Regional identification guides for butterflies and common day-flying moths.
Enhancing Habitats for Butterflies and Moths
Some basic advice for enhancing habitats for butterflies and moths.
Videos of our online events
Since 2021 we have been recording our online events, including our Spring and Autumn Supporters' Gatherings. Watch them all here!
Butterfly Identification and Recording videos
Learn how to identify the butterflies of Scotland, and get invovled in our recording work.
News
-
State of Nature 2023 reveals devastating declines for UK wildlife
Moths and butterflies amongst UK wildlife in decline, State of Nature 2023 report reveals.
-
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.
-
Butterfly Conservation calls for ban on neonicotinoids
New research shows neonicotinoid pesticides are threatening the UK’s wildlife, including butterflies and moths.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Scotland: Bog Squad Work Party at Greenhead Moss
Wednesday 18th October 2023, 10:30am-3:00pm
Greenhead Moss, Wishaw
The Bog Squad will be visiting Greenhead Moss near Wishaw, to remove invasive scrub. Removal of these small birch trees is vital to protect the habitat from drying out and threatening the specialist species that live on the moss.
Get Involved!
There are many ways in which you can get involved in our work:
- Create and pledge a Wild Space
- Join our Bog Squad to help restore our precious peatlands
- Get involved with our Priority Species work
- Helping with our local branches work
- Send us your butterfly and moth records
- Write to your MSP to tell them about our work and ask them to support our efforts for a greener, cleaner Scotland
In your area
Contact office
Office Address
Our Scottish office is currently closed and our team are homeworking.
Please contact us via:
Email: scotland@butterfly-conservation.org
Tel: 01786 447753
Butterfly Conservation
Manor Yard
East Lulworth
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5QP