Welcome to the Yorkshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation  

Butterflies are not only beautiful and fascinating creatures but are also highly responsive to the environment. David Attenborough described them as  'A thermometer of the health of our natural world'  Many species of butterfly are in decline and a quarter are facing extinction.  We have lost more than 98% of our traditional meadows and woodland in recent times so it is crucial  we raise awareness about the threats facing our butterflies, moths, their habitats and our natural environment.  Yorkshire Branch  work in partnership with land owners, local authorities, conservation bodies, businesses and the local community to achieve this. Here in Yorkshire  the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl Bordered  Fritillary are particularly vulnerable due to habitat loss and increasingly susceptible to extinction. Yorkshire also has the only remaining colony of the  Dark Bordered Beauty Moth in England, on Strensall Common and is on the brink of extinction.  

Become a member today and help us save butterflies, moths and their habitats. There are many rewarding roles volunteering in recording and conservation just take a look at our Branch leaflet HERE . We have a real challenge when 60% of children in the UK have never seen a Peacock butterfly according to a YouGov Survey and  78% of parents are concerned that children don’t spend enough time interacting with nature.  Founded in 1981 Yorkshire branch has more than 1800 members and over 100 transect walkers go out each week in summer  to monitor  butterfly sites across the county while dozens more join work parties to maintain habitat for our rarest species.

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First Sightings 2025

First Sightings 2025

15th January Almost everone noticed the devastating decline in our butterflies in 2024. Join Nick Hall  looking for explanations and species trends with climate/weather longer term. Watch on You Tube below

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2 February:  Our 2nd conservation party goes out to Hawnby Hill next Sunday. Please contact Dave OBrien below.

30th Jan Our first work party of the year at Hawnby with more dates to follow.

28th Jan In our latest recorded Zoom  join Katty Baird  for a whistle-stop moth tour of Scotland. From moorland fence posts to sandy coasts; rocky cliffs to dark damp culverts, Katty shares her adventures.

28th Jan Fabulous talk from Fabian on how Moths react to light

6th JanuaryJoin BC's Local Project Leader Harry Goldstone to learn more about the exciting 'Wildspaces' project  happening with Leeds Parks, including Roundhay, local communities & schools.  Book HERE

4th January.  By popular demand Charlie Fletcher is back on Zoom February 17th  to present his enrtaining take on the 2024 Moth season and review the notable species. It has been a very busy year with some interersting migrants!  BOOK HERE

24th October The Autumn edition of the Argus is now available to download HERE

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