From 2021 to 2024, Butterfly Conservation engaged more than 26,000 people across Kent to help the county's magnificent moths. It was the biggest-ever conservation project of its kind, with 345 events aimed at helping eight target species, and made a lasting difference to local wildlife.
East Kent is home to the greatest concentration of rare and threatened moth species in the UK, but moths remain a mystery to many.
Threats in this part of England include:
- Development pressure
- Changing land management
- Limited resources
- Climate change
Our project engaged, surprised and inspired communities, revealing the array of amazing moths on their doorstep and helping East Kent value and conserve these fascinating creatures.
As the biggest-ever moth conservation project in the UK, this project helped to make a significant, positive impact with local species and contributed to a boost in UK moth populations. We helped give local people new skills so they can ensure a lasting legacy for magnificent moths.
Key species
- Black-veined Moth
- Bright Wave
- Fiery Clearwing
- Fisher’s Estuarine Moth
- Marsh Mallow Moth
- Sussex Emerald
- Straw Belle
- White-spotted Sable (Anania funebris)
Delivery
Over three years our dedicated team partnered with schools, farmers and an array of community groups and organisations to improve habitats across the county, while changing lives by improving participants' wellbeing. Our partners included Canterbury City Council, Natural England, RSPB and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership.
Our team helped boost populations of moth caterpillar foodplants including Wild Carrot, Hog’s Fennel and Marsh Mallow, incorporating them in gardens and outdoor spaces to offer these moths new breeding areas.
This conservation work was coupled with moth events, from practical habitat work, for those wanting to get stuck in outdoors, to close encounters with the UK's rarest species. We also encouraged community celebration of local moths through art, cakes and other creative adventures.
Our project is now finished, but we’d still love more people to get involved helping moths, butterflies and other wildlife in Kent. If you'd like to find out more, follow our Kent local branch:
Twitter: @BCKentBranch
Instagram: @kentbutterflies
Facebook: ButterflyConservationKent
Thanks
We are very grateful to National Lottery players and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for allowing us to deliver this project.
Contacts
Conservation Officer: Rebecca Levey (@email)