Getting to know butterflies
Find out how enjoying and conserving butterflies, moths and the environment is relevant to you wherever you live
Puss moth larva (a threat reaction) by John BebbingtonButterfly Conservation
Nature is everywhere
You don't have to live in the countryside to enjoy the benefits of nature and take steps to help conserve it. Even if you live in a city, simple things like taking time to visit your local park or nature reserve or even planting a window box or balcony pot can make a difference.
Children discover the wonder of moths by Robbie LabanowskiButterfly Conservation
Big City Butterflies - a project in London
Big City Butterflies is a 2021 project which will inspire Londoners to discover butterflies and moths, and in doing so will connect them with nature and their local green spaces. The people we reach will have opportunities to learn about butterflies and moths.
Dr Phil Sterling on Weymouth Relief Road by Andrew CooperButterfly Conservation
Pollinator-friendly roads
Thanks the work of our scientist Dr Phil Stirling and other partners, Highways England last year announced announced a new scheme to encourage native wildflower meadows along road verges.
Under the new low nutrient grasslands policy, Highways England contractors will be obliged to create conditions for species-rich grasslands to thrive. Making important travel corridors for butterflies, moths and bees as well as humans!
Importance of Nature on our doorstep from Butterfly Conservation's CEO Julie Williams (2021-03-05) by Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
From Butterfly Conservation's CEO Julie Williams
We must all fight for the nature on our doorsteps. Wherever you live you can get involved.
Egg of the Red Admiral butterfly by Gilles San MartinButterfly Conservation
Do you know the lifecycle of a butterfly?
Perhaps you learned about it in school, but have you remembered? It's a miracle process and often a symbol of new life, hope and new beginnings.
Eggs of the Large White butterfly by Peter EelesButterfly Conservation
Every moth and butterfly looks different at each stage
From microscopic eggs...
Pupa of the Large White butterfly by Peter EelesButterfly Conservation
A chrysalis where the miracle transformation takes place...
Vapourer moth caterpillar by Iain H LeachButterfly Conservation
To hairy and scary (well, not to us!) caterpillars
Watch the amazing process!
From egg to larva (caterpillar), the finally pupa (chrysalis) and the adult butterfly or moth.
Common Blue butterfly by Kasia Bukowska (2018/2020) by Kasia Bukowska and Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
To the final beautiful result! An adult butterfly or moth.
Caterpillar of the Comma butterfly by Peter EelesButterfly Conservation
Painted Lady butterfly by Andrew Cooper (2019) by Andrew Cooper and Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
In decline
Sadly, moths and butterflies are in decline. The UK has 59 species of butterfly. Five species of butterfly have become extinct in the last 150 years. 76% of the UK’s resident and regular migrant butterflies declined in abundance, occurrence or both over the last 40 years.
