Butterfly Conservation’s CEO, Julie Williams, shares her thoughts from the annual AGM and Members’ Morning.

Climate change is here. 

Habitat destruction is happening as we speak. 

We know what needs to be done, but things are just not moving fast enough, and our politicians aren’t taking the urgent action needed. We can no longer wait for the Government to set the agenda; we need to change the conversation.

This is the message I delivered last week to some of our 40,000 members at our 2023 AGM and Members' Morning. This annual event is a critical opportunity for our members to hear from key figures across the organisation about what’s happening at Butterfly Conservation and our vision for the future. This year, we were joined by the wonderful Dr Kate Dent, Butterfly Conservation’s Director of Engagement and Volunteering; Mark Avery, conservationist, campaigner, and author; and new Chair of Butterfly Conservation, Martin Spray CBE, who all provided inspiring updates from the world of butterflies and moths.

We also said farewell and a huge thank you to our outgoing Chair, Karen Goldie-Morrison, who steps down after four years of service, which has included helping to steer our organisation through the difficult years of the pandemic.

The event is also an important opportunity to remind our members of the incredible work they make possible. And their contribution is far more than financial. Many of our members provide us with their time, their expertise, and, importantly, their voice. Our members are a powerful force for change – change that is desperately needed if we are to tackle the climate and nature crises which threaten our butterfly and moth species.

Over the next few months, the headlines will be dominated with general election updates and promises and pledges by the different political parties. We have a real opportunity to influence and ensure that environmental protection and crucial funding is directed to tackling both the climate and the biodiversity crises. But that means we need more people to care – that’s why we have asked our members to channel their passion for butterflies, moths and the environment into action and inspire others. The more people who care, the more politicians will listen.

We encourage all of our members and supporters to make their voices heard. Speak to your friends, your family, your community, and to your elected representatives. And, of course, speak to us. We love hearing your thoughts on social media, in our inbox and at our events, so do get in touch and look out for the dates of our 2024 AGM and Members' Mornings.

Julie Williams
CEO, Butterfly Conservation

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