2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline. Butterfly conservation (https://butterfly-conservation.org/) offers suggestions about how you can help, but stage 1 is to identify and record your sightings. Grahame Hawker of the Upper Thames branch of Butterfly Conservation and the Reading and District Natural History Society gives the definitive guide to identifying UK butterflies looking at the key features and differences for each species. He’ll introduce you to the ID app “irecord butterflies” for simple recording so that you are ready to practice your ID skills, start recording your sightings, and take part in the annual UK Big Butterfly Count starting July 10th. This Zoom talk will be followed by on-site activities in the Reading area to practice ID skills and the use of the app. 11.00 5th July Meadows Day at Clayfield Copse
16 June 2025
