Welcome
The Upper Thames Branch covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, which includes the beautiful rolling hills of the Chilterns. It is home to several rare species of butterfly and moth, including the Black Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper and the Striped Lychnis.
If you live in the region and are a member of Butterfly Conservation you automatically become a member of the Upper Thames branch.
Species to look out for
Find out more
Butterfly sightings
Send us your sightings and find out what has been spotted near you.
Moth sightings
Take a look at the moths you could find in your area, and send your sightings to our moth recorders.
Get involved
News
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Get creative for nature for a chance to win!
Do you love nature and want to make sure it’s protected? Enter our competition to design a banner for the Restore Nature Now demonstration in London.
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Treasure hunters wanted to help find one of the rarest jewels in Northern Ireland wildlife
Nature lovers asked to get photos of beautiful ‘colour-changing’ moth.
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Gardeners back less frequent lawn mowing, poll finds, as ‘No Mow May’ begins
Almost half of gardeners do not plan to mow their lawn more than once in May, a survey suggests, as Plantlife’s annual campaign to boost nature in gardens kicks off.
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The Butterfly Conservation Craft Club returns: Inky Butterflies with Kate Moby
Join us online on Saturday 1 June at 10am where we will be joined by the incredible artist Kate Moby for the return of Butterfly Conservation’s online craft club.
Events
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An Upper Thames Branch identification session at Incombe Hole, led by Nick Bowles
Saturday 4th May 2024 at 10:30 am
Incombe Hole
A field meeting to help embed the spring butterfly and day-flying moth ID skills presented in the 2nd May Zoom meeting. -
An Upper Thames Branch identification session at Small Dean Lane Bank, led by Nick Bowles
Saturday 11th May 2024 at 10:30 am
Small Dean Lane Bank NT
A field meeting to help embed the spring butterfly and day-flying moth ID skills presented in the 2nd May Zoom meeting.
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Paices Wood Country Parkland, led by Hilary Glew
Saturday 18th May 2024 at 10:00 am
Paices Wood Country Parkland, Aldermaston, Berks
A gentle stroll to enjoy spring butterflies including Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper.
Volunteer with us
Butterfly Conservation relies on the support of thousands of volunteers, and we are always looking for more help inside the office and out in the field. Whether you want to volunteer at a local branch, get outside and help manage our nature reserves, or help with one of our events, we have something for everyone to get involved in! Your time can make a real difference.
Branch information
Reserves
In your area
Contact branch
- Chairman
Nick Bowles - Honorary Secretary & Branch Contact
Dave Wilton