Nature enthusiasts in Cumbria and Lancashire are being given the chance to see some rare butterflies at a free event to celebrate 50 years of the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation (BC).
Organised by BC’s Cumbria Branch, people are invited to take part in a guided butterfly walk to see the declining Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies, as well as other butterfly species, caterpillars and moths.
The Duke of Burgundy has declined by 40% across the UK since the 1970s and in the last 40 years the Pearl-bordered Fritillary has declined by 95%.
The event is taking place at the RSPB Leighton Moss site in Lancashire on Sunday 20 May, starting from 9.30am.
A number of illustrated talks on conservation and the moths found across Arnside and Silverdale will start the day’s activities, followed by the guided walk in the afternoon. See full details here.
BC’s Martin Tordoff said: “This is a rare opportunity to see these butterflies as well as learn more about moths and the conservation work taking place across Cumbria and Lancashire.
“Butterfly Conservation was founded in 1968 and this is our premier event of the year to celebrate that. Everyone is welcome to join us – just be sure to wear sturdy boots and bring a camera!”
For more information about this and other events visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/cumbria