Wildlife lovers are being invited to Truro this weekend to learn about the butterflies and moths living in their own back gardens and pick up tips about what they can do to help them thrive.

More than three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies are in decline and one-third are in danger of extinction and with Cornwall home to 42 of the UK’s 59 species, the work undertaken by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation throughout the county is crucial to ensure their survival.

Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Recording, Richard Fox, said: “Despite the declines, Cornwall is still a special place for butterflies, from the Marsh Fritillaries in the boggy, wet pastures to the Silver-studded Blues shimmering in the sand dunes of the stunning north coast. But we can’t take this for granted. Only through monitoring butterfly populations and undertaking practical conservation management will these beautiful creatures continue to thrive in the Duchy.

“Anyone can help with this vital work carried out by Butterfly Conservation Cornwall, simply by recording the butterflies that you see or taking part in a work party to maintain essential butterfly habitat.”

The wildlife charity’s Cornwall Branch is holding their Annual General Meeting this Saturday (7 March) in the village of Trispen. A talk on the value of volunteers and how they can help Cornwall’s butterflies is the first in a series of presentations throughout the day.

One of the UK’s leading moth experts, Dr Paul Waring, will also be a key speaker at the event. It will be the first time the author of the bestselling book A Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland has given a talk in Cornwall.

If you are fascinated by these wonderful insects and are interested in finding out how you can help protect them, the AGM is being held from 10.00 am at St.Erme Community Centre in Castle Field, Trispen, Truro, TR4 9BH. Entry is £5 and includes a pasty lunch and all refreshments.    

A full list of conservation events organised by the Cornwall Branch can be found by visiting www.butterfly-conservation.org/events