Butterflies and Moths mean Business

This innovative project ran between 2004 and 2008, and aimed to:

• Raise the profile of butterflies and moths
• Encourage recording, and
• Help locals and visitors enjoy their visits to butterfly and moth sites, bringing economic benefits to the rural Stirling area and the Cairngorms.

A programme of free workshops was held each year to train the public to carry out surveys.  Several hundred people have now been on workshops and have gone on to become active recorders. 

The workshops were informal and fun, consisting of an indoor session, followed by a field trip to practice new skills. They also gave participants a chance to meet like-minded people and countryside staff.  Workshops focussed on species such as the Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet, Argent & Sable Northern Brown Argus and Kentish Glory. 

Other workshops were introductory sessions on butterflies or moths for those involved in the tourism business, such as tourist information staff and rangers.

Other activities included:

• Developing butterfly trail walks with partners
• Producing free literature and identification guides

Funders

EU (via LEADER+ programmes in rural Stirling and the Cairngorms), Scottish Natural Heritage, Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorms Biodiversity Partnership, and Stirling Council's Biodiversity Action Grants Scheme.

Contact

Email your comments to our Stirling office.