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  • The value of citizen science

    Meaningful species population trends from mass-participation citizen science: the Big Butterfly Count example

  • The science behind The State Of Nature report

    A recently published large-scale collaboration, led by the RSPB, analysed the scientific data behind the State of Nature UK reports from 2013 and 2016. Professor Tom Brereton explains the findings of this paper, demonstrating just how much work goes into proving that the long-term declines in our wildlife are real and scientifically robust.

  • Microclimate refugia

    Richard Fox explains how cool microclimates reduce the extinction risk for climate threatened plants and insects in England

  • Meet the science team: introducing Rachel Jones

    Introducing Rachel Jones, Senior Ecologist at Butterfly Conservation who is currently researching the highly restricted Lulworth Skipper in Dorset, funded by a NERC iCASE Studentship with the University of Exeter and Butterfly Conservation.

  • UK Butterflies Outstanding Contribution Award for 2018 winners

    Sarah Meredith, Butterfly Conservation’s Large Blue Conservation Officer and David Simcox, of Habitat Designs Ltd and project manager for the Large Blue Committee have been jointly awarded the UK Butterflies Outstanding Contribution Award for 2018.

  • Dig it – September Tips from the Secret Gardener

    Heleniums bring both colour and a food source for pollinators to your flowerbeds in autumn.

  • Beauty and the beasts

    The Met Office are predicting a mild start to autumn which could lead to a rise in some of the biggest and most glamorous species found in the UK.

  • Swapping the sierras for the seaside

    Paloma Oteo Golderos, a biology from the University of Granada in Spain, has spent the summer working with Butterfly Conservation as part of an Erasmus traineeship. Here she explains why she swapped the Sierras for the seaside on the hunt for butterflies.

  • Could nature hotspot be saved from golf course development?

    Paul Kirkland, Butterfly Conservation Director, Scotland, reveals why the Scottish Government’s decision to ‘call in’ proposals to develop a wildlife hotspot into a golf course offers nature lovers some hope.

  • Drought and butterflies

    Only 12 hours after Sir David Attenborough explained the personal and scientific benefits of Big Butterfly Count to the watching nation, I was standing under a tree in the pouring rain.

  • Chequered Skipper update

    It’s been almost two months since the Chequered Skipper butterfly took to the wing in England for the first time in 40 years. So what’s been happening since then? 

  • Dig It – June Tips from the Secret Gardener

    This month the Secret Gardener investigates the best plants to provide caterpillar food and flying-fuel for both day and night flying moths.

  • Mad for moths

    Moth Night is the UK’s annual celebration of moths and moth recording, a chance for naturalists to raise the profile of these much-maligned creatures, for conservationists to gather useful data and for members of the public to experience the dazzling diversity of these important insects.

  • Calling nature lovers and gardeners in Surrey

    BC's Small Blue project aims to improve chalk downland habitats on the North Downs, mainly between Guildford and Dorking, for Britain’s smallest butterfly. Project Officer Fiona Haynes tells us more....

  • All together now

    Butterfly Conservation Ambassador and gardening writer Kate Bradbury explains how if we all find some space for butterflies and moths we can make the world a happier and more healthy place to live.

  • Dig It – April Tips from the Secret Gardener

    The Secret Gardener's star plant which has been flowering without stopping, since it was planted couple of years ago, is the Perennial Wallflower Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’.

  • Shedding light on moth declines

    Back in 2004, when Rothamsted Research and Butterfly Conservation first uncovered the significant, long-term decline in moth abundance, artificial light at night (ALAN) was highlighted as a potential contributor to the observed trends.

  • Heath Fritillary – the science behind the management

    The Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia is a priority species with a restricted distribution in the south of England, occupying an area of less than 1km2 in the UK.

  • Meet Dr Emily Dennis

    Introducing the newest member of Butterfly Conservation's science team, who was awarded the Faculty of Sciences Prize for Postgraduate Research at the University of Kent in 2015, has had 7 papers published since 2014 and received an "Honourable Mention" from the judges of the 2017 Young Biometrician's Award.

  • Developing and improving statistical models of species change

    BC is one of the largest collectors and holders of biological data in the UK, running world-renowned recording and monitoring schemes on butterflies and moths that collectively total in excess of 40 million records by over 70,000 recorders.

  • Dig It – March Tips from the Secret Gardener

    When buying potted plants, we should consider four significant environmental issues: pesticides, biosecurity, peat, and plastic.

  • Butterfly Conservation’s Science News

    At the end of March BC will launch an e-newsletter exploring the wide range of science that we are involved with.

  • Success…. Scottish Gems Found!

    BC volunteer Ken Haydock reveals the story behind the recent discovery of White-letter Hairstreak eggs in Berwickshire - confirmation the declining butterfly may have started breeding in Scotland for the first time in 130 years...

  • Statement on the Chelsea Road Elm in Sheffield

    Dr Sam Ellis, BC's Director of Conservation outlines the charity's position on the Chelsea Road Elm in Sheffield and the tree's population of White-letter Hairstreak butterflies

  • Hedge your bets for Brimstones

    As February gets into its stride, the signs of the fast approaching spring are becoming more and more evident.

  • Dig It - January Tips From The Secret Gardener

    January is an easy month to help butterflies and moths in the garden. Many species will be taking shelter until temperatures start to rise so leave leaf litter and postpone pruning to protect eggs, caterpillars and crysalises.

  • 2017 - a year of progress for butterflies and moths

    Butterfly Conservation makes important strides forward in 2017

  • Dig It – December Tips from the Secret Gardener

    The Secret Gardener investigates which species just one lichen-covered branch could be supporting and reminds you to be careful when bringing twigs inside.

  • Big Butterfly Count data proves its worth

    A study has revealed the importance of information gathered by the Big Butterfly Count

  • Neonicotinoid pesticide ban – good news for wildlife

    Butterfly Conservation welcomes ban on harmful pesticides