Blog

Following the majestic displays of the Purple Emperor on BBC's Wild Isles last night, we take a closer look at how woodlands are critical for some of our butterfly and moth species, and what we need to do to protect them.

At Butterfly Conservation, we’re immensely proud of the women in our teams, from Conservation to Human Resources. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’ve asked some of our staff to share their thoughts on International Women’s Day and what it means to them, or on the thing they are most proud of. 

Appreciating the close relationship between butterflies and moths and their foodplants is the key to helping create a space where they can feed, breed and shelter.

Looking at new ways of engaging with people to create a more inclusive and accessible future is key to developing conservation support, says Anthony McCluskey.

It’s no secret that many LGBTQ+ Scientists have contributed to conservation efforts around the world and made a significant difference to how we understand our environment.  LGBTQ+ History Month is always a time to celebrate and spotlight those in the queer community that have made a difference, and to bring attention to their stories and achievements.

Butterfly Conservation have led a research project investigating the biodiversity of a conifer plantation that is managed using Irregular forestry (a type of continuous cover forestry). Patrick Cook, Ecologist at Butterfly Conservation, explores the results of the research. 

STEM has traditionally been a very male-dominated field but at Butterfly Conservation we’re proud to be an organisation that welcomes and embraces women working in the scientific fields of conservation and data analysis.

Doing Nothing for Nature? Take on our general knowledge butterfly and moth quiz to truly test your love for Lepidoptera

Senior Ecologist Rachel Jones explores the landscape-scale responses of the Lulworth skipper. 

From Autumn onwards there are leaves of beautiful browns, yellows and greens turning to crispy litter in gardens and green spaces across the UK. But before you reach for your rake or (for the more technologically advanced among us) the leaf blower, stop and think, ‘what is in my leaflitter?’

Doing nothing for nature! Firstly, thank you! Leaving our gardens alone during the winter months helps the butterflies and moths that are sheltering there make it through to spring. But, if you’re getting a bit restless, here are some ideas for alternatives to tidying the garden this winter...

Happy New Year! It’s January again, and the temperature is cold with somewhat less to do. So why not set yourself some New Year’s resolutions and help our struggling butterflies and moths at the same time.

If you're considering whether to #DoNothingForNature, or trying to convince your friends, family, or work colleagues to get on board too, here are some facts about overwintering butterflies and moths to help you discover more about different species and their wintery hidden homes.

So, you’re committed to #DoNothingForNature? Well firstly, thank you! This is such an important part of the year for every species of butterfly and moth, no matter what stage in their lifecycle they are and it’s incredibly important we let them rest and keep them safe so they can make it through the winter. Instead of heading out there and tidying up, grab a brew and read on to learn the best ways to help butterflies and moths this winter.

The Secret Gardener kicks off the year with their tips for using old Christmas trees to create habitat for wildlife in your garden.

The result's of this year's Bugs Matter Citizen Science Survey have been revealed, showing a 64% decline in insect numbers sampled on vehicle number plates between 2004 and 2022 across the UK.

Not sure what to get your favourite people this year? Whether it’s your garden-enthusiast dad, Lepidoptera-loving partner, or ever-curious grandchildren, there really is something for everyone on offer. Check out the options below to find a meaningful gift this Christmas that will also help us carry out the vital work we do.

We need the Government to set the framework in policy, legislation - there has to be a fundamental change in how we view our relationship with the natural world and how we support nature’s recovery.
 

He might not have always had a passion for butterflies, but broadcaster and author Frank Gardner has always had an instinct to protect them.

The royal hunting grounds, Rockingham Forest, established in Norman times, was selected for the reintroduction of the Chequered Skipper with the last record of this butterfly in England dating back to 1976.

Every year National Tree Week is an opportunity to celebrate trees and woods in the UK and heralds the start of the tree planting season. So more trees would be good, no? Well, yes, but!  
 

As moths rely on external sources of heat to warm their bodies, these chilly winter months mean most Lepidoptera are forced to remain inactive. But as always there are a few exceptions to the rule...

Huw Pennell, one of Butterfly Conservation's volunteers in Edinburgh, shares the story of the creation of his urban wildflower meadow.

With very limited recorded sightings in the last 100 years, the rare Crimson Speckled has made some thrilling appearances this autumn.
 

Starting in August we ran another series of family-friendly engagement events, all three of these were in urban areas. These events enabled us to have a voice in urban communities which are close to our project area, better engage with a different demographic, and help encourage people to re-engage with nearby green spaces. 

Due to changes in land management the Wood White butterfly suffered a steep decline in distribution and abundance of -89% since the 1970s. There were, however, glimmers of hope for this species as Butterfly Conservation reported in 2020 that the number of occupied sites had increased since 2010 by an astounding 117% in short-term abundance between 2011 and 2020.

This year we ran events above and beyond our Chequered Skipper guided walks, and you may have seen us at various locations throughout the regions surrounding Rockingham Forest! Here we wanted to share a little bit more about what has been happening at these events from June through to August and why they are so valuable.

Dr Phil Sterling, Building Sites for Butterflies Programme Manager and a keen moth enthusiast discusses his best advice when going moth trapping.
 

Hear from Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer, and moth-fan on why it is that moths are declining, and what BC is doing to help reverse this. The role of these magnificent creatures in our ecosystem is also discussed, as well as what Zoë thinks of people who aren’t interested in them!
 

The story of the Tiree Twist, a dainty moth with creamy white body and contrastingly brown band across the wings, is one wrapped in mystery…