Blog

We hear from Dr Phil Sterling, Building Sites for Butterflies Programme Manager and keen moth-er on how he became interested in the species and what they mean to him.

In January 2022, for the first time since the Chequered Skipper reintroduction in 2018, the release site was made public and so during the flight season of this exciting small butterfly, our rangers ran daily guided walks (weather permitting) to help spot this elusive species.
 

Bryony Benge-Abbott is an interdisciplinary artist working closely with scientists, activists and community groups to explore our relationship to the natural world. Her latest project, The Colour of Transformation, is partnered by Butterfly Conservation and the William Morris Gallery and shares new perspectives on nature inspired by the stories of Global Majority women pioneers working in conservation, natural history and the outdoors.

Dr Phil Sterling is an expert on moths, and author of several books on moths and their caterpillars. We asked him ‘are there any moths that stump you when trying to identify them?’ and his response reveals all. 

The weird and wonderful world of moths is so bustling full of facts that many people don’t know! Gone are the days they are regarded as the dull underdog to the butterfly! Here are 12 magnificent moth facts that show you how amazing these creatures are.

We interviewed George Tordoff, one of our resident moth experts on his role at Butterfly Conservation and explore what he loves about moths.

Moths have experienced worrying declines over the past 40 years with several species even becoming extinct in the UK. Sadly, the numbers of many species continue to decline, and it may start feel like there is nothing that can be done…but this is abundantly not true - not on our watch. Butterfly Conservation works across the disciplines of conservation, research science, recording, and education, all of which help prevent moth species from further declines, and even extinction.

In her speech to the Conservative Party Conference the Prime Minister, Liz Truss, accused environmentalists of being part of the “anti-growth coalition”. But what is growth and how does a policy of “growth, growth, growth” contribute to a sustainable future for all?

We get to know Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer for Butterfly Conservation, and explore her role in Big Butterfly Count as well as her passion for moths and butterflies.

The field of conservation is not yet fully representative of society. For Black History Month we've collated a range of conservation groups and networks that can help black people connect with nature and explore this field further.
 

Anthony McCluskey, Helping Hands for Butterflies Project Officer, discusses the work to make Butterfly Conservation more accessible for volunteers, and how his project works to include new audiences in urban areas in Scotland.

Targets - There’s not much point in a strategy that doesn’t set clear goals that are meaningful and measurable. We need the Strategy to set ambitious, specific targets that will drive nature’s recovery by 2045. And we need them to be legally binding.
 

This summer, parts of the UK have experienced drought conditions, and we’ve all been advised to cut down on our use of water.

In this blog, David Hill, Butterfly Conservation’s Species on the Edge Project Development Officer, discusses the need for bogs in protecting our ecosystem.
 

In this blog, Tom Prescott, Butterfly Conservation’s Senior Conservation Officer for Scotland, talks about the important role butterflies and moths play in indicating the health of our environment.

On World Photography Day, Dorset-based wildlife photographer and nature lover Verity Pixie Hill shares her top tips for taking show-stopping butterfly photos.

While teachers may be exhaling a sigh of well-earned relief, now that the summer holidays are upon us parents and guardians alike may all be after affordable and fun activities children can get involved with over the next few weeks. Below are some accessible and free things you can do to keep your little ones entertained.
 

Our blog this month comes from Butterfly Conservation’s Supporting Science Officer Rachael Conway, who has led the relaunch of Garden Butterfly Survey this year.

How can you tell apart the different types of Blue butterfly species? For some, this is the million-dollar question that can cost hours in agonising confusion. So we have put together this guide to save the day and help you see the subtle differences which will enable you to identify these beautiful blues with ease.

Professor Christopher Loynes Ph.D., University of Cumbria tells us about the benefits to our health and wellbeing for getting outside and where he will be doing his Big Butterfly Count this year. 

The Government has issued a red weather warning to warn everyone about the extreme sun heading our way this July. While plenty of us wish to enjoy the heatwave, it’s important that we look after ourselves and each other. If you’re out doing your Big Butterfly Count, here are some things to remember in order to stay safe.

Whether sitting in a park or going on a hike, getting outside can benefit our physical and mental health as well as our social lives.

Here are 10 facts about some of the amazing butterflies and moths on your Big Butterfly Count ID Checklist that may help you when looking out for and identifying them!

Thinking about taking part in the Big Butterfly Count? Here are 6 reasons why you should!

For any newcomers, or those needing to brush up on the campaign, here is a brief guide to spotting butterflies. 

While intersectional issues with climate change is a huge topic, this blog provides an insight into the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for climate change and explores how we cannot fight against climate change without social justice.

As we head towards the Big Butterfly Count, we've got some top tips for attracting butterflies to your garden this summer.

Following the most successful ever translocation of Chequered Skipper butterflies from Belgium to England, ZSL (Zoological Society of London)’s wildlife veterinarian, Dr Tammy Shadbolt talks about her experience as part of a team working on a four-year project to bring them back from extinction.

One way to support PRIDE is by increasing the visibility of the contributions to Conservation, and beyond, that people from the LGBTQ+ community have made.

Interview with Bradley Neal (He/They) on being LGBTQ+ in the field of Conservation.