and welcome to Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire
Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire works with land owners, local authorities, conservation bodies, businesses and local people to raise awareness about the threats to our butterflies, moths and their habitats. We provide advice and practical help on how to protect these and our other threatened wildlife in the region.
Several butterflies in the region such as the Small Blue, Wood White and Wall Brown are particularly vulnerable due to habitat loss and population fragmentation resulting in small isolated colonies which become increasingly susceptible to local or regional extinction. Other species such as the Duke of Burgundy are already extinct in the region, last seen in 1987.
We have over 200 members, an active Committee and regular events such as field trips, habitat management work parties and much more throughout the year. You could become a member of Butterfly Conservation and help protect butterflies and moths in Warwickshire and beyond. |
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| Butterfly Walk in the Wyre Forest |
 A walk in the Wyre Forest to see the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, a species which sadly became extinct in Warwickshire in 1968. Other species which may be seen include Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper plus other springtime butterflies.
Meet 11am on 11th May at the Hawkbatch Valley Car Park off the B4199 Dowles Road between Bewdley and Buttonoak.
(Grid Ref: SO761777) - see map |
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| Volunteers needed for a study into recent declines in the Small Tortoiseshell |
 Many people have noticed dramatically reduced numbers of the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly during the last two
summers. Butterfly Conservation has become concerned that Sturmia bella, a parasitoid fly that has arrived recently in the UK
may be to blame. A new project to investigate this is underway in collaboration with researchers at the
University of Oxford.
Volunteers are needed to help with this research by collecting and rearing small tortoiseshell and
peacock caterpillars to assess levels of parasitism. If you are interested in taking part, further information and instructions is available online at:
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~scat3369/
Dr Owen T. Lewis (e: owen.lewis@zoo.ox.ac.uk)
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
South Parks Road,
Oxford,
OX1 3PS |
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| Warwickshire Butterflies |
Warwickshire currently has 33 species of butterfly which regularly breed in the region plus 3 regular migrant species.
more about our butterflies |
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| Warwickshire Moths |
Warwickshire has a wide variety of moth species with several nationally scarce species.
more about our moths |
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| Gardening for Butterflies |
Gardens are an increasingly important refuge for many butterflies. Want to encourage butterflies into your garden?
more about butterfly gardening |
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| Orange-tip Recording Project |
Why not get involved in finding out how global warming may affect our butterflies in Warwickshire.
more about the project |
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| Look out for... |
So far, 17 species of butterfly have been seen this year in our region. As spring leads into summer and the days become longer and warmer, many more species begin to appear.
Watch out for: Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange-tip and Small White. |
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| Online Recording and First Sightings |
Seen a butterfly or moth? Submit your sightings online.
Butterfly species first sightings - 2008 - 2007 |
| Latest Records - view all |
| 10 May 2008 |
| Harbury Spoilbank South by Glyn Clarke |
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| 10 May 2008 |
| Harbury Spoilbank North by Glyn Clarke |
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| 10 May 2008 |
| Bishops Hill by Glyn Clarke |
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| 10 May 2008 |
| Baddesley Ensor by Keith Warmington |
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| 10 May 2008 |
| Ryton Pools Country Park by Mike Slater |
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| News in brief |
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| For all the latest branch news in detail, click here |
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| 40 Years of Butterfly Conservation |
 Butterfly Conservation was founded in 1968 by a small, dedicated group of naturalists concerned with the decline of our native butterflies and moths. Butterfly Conservation's aim is to halt and reverse these worrying declines so future generations can enjoy these wonderful insects.
Moths and butterflies are extremely sensitive to environmental change which makes them valuable indicators of the health of the countryside.
Butterfly Conservation is the world's largest research institute for butterflies and moths. |
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| Field Trip and Work Party Reports |
| The following field trip and work party reports provide an insight into the activities and events conducted by Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire. |
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