Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch

News 2021

The YouTube video on finding Brown Hairstreak eggs presented on 1 December can now be viewed - click on the image below



The Brown Hairstreak egg hunting season is now upon us so please take a look at the updated Brown Hairstreak survey webpage.

Please view the video on road verge management for wildlife produced by Plantlife



Lowest ever number of butterflies recorded in the Big Butterfly Count 2021

Chloe Lisley has set up an Instagram account for our branch. Useful for adding photos so please have a look

See David Howden's video clip of a Brown Hairstreak at Horsenden Hill on 28 August

One of the best ways we can help butterflies is by talking with other people and encouraging their interest. On Friday (6 August) the four transect walkers at Chorleywood Common ran an information stall at a local event on the Common. The stall was well attended and there was much interest shown in how butterfly numbers on the site are improving. And also many people wanting to join in the Big Butterfly Count. Photos: © Philip Gibbs


The Jersey Tiger moth, now spreading across our region is included in the Big Butterfly Count for the first time. Listen to branch chair Malcolm Hull interviewed on BBC Three Counties Radio on the link (interview starts after 3 hours 52 minutes). Click here

A recording of our New Members Day presentations is now available on the Herts & Middx BC YouTube Channel. Watch Liz Goodyear talk about garden butterflies, how to identify them and attract them to your garden. Also Malcolm Hull gives an introduction to butterfly recording. Click here

See Malcolm Hull's video clip of a grounded Purple Emperor in Heartwood Forest on 17 July


Bike For Butterflies Challenge. Simon Saville from the Surrey & SW London Branch is setting off on a gruelling 1,200 mile cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats on Tuesday 22 June to raise £15,000 for Butterfly Conservation. Donations can be made here


For the Big City Butterflies launch on Tuesday 1 June, find more about fun ways to join in. Join Ele Johnstone, our new staff member, and play hide and seek with butterflies in London parks


Our major new project Big City Butterflies, launches on Tuesday 1 June. Watch as Kate Merry provides an insight into how we will be promoting butterflies and moths in inner London here


Exciting news from Gerry Rawcliffe who saw a Long-tailed Blue at Alexandra Palace today (18 May)

Excellent and informative talk by Simon Saville on the Climate change impacts on butterflies and moths can be viewed here


The winter online Zoom YouTube recordings can now be viewed here

Many Painted Ladies have been reported in the south of England including some in our area in the last few days. 12 May

Anna Guerin has set up a blog for butterflies observed in London. Please read here

Nick Murray saw a Duke of Burgundy at Aldbury Nowers on 2 May, a species not reported here since 1998 and nowhere in our area since 2009

Large Tortoiseshell seen in Sawbridgeworth on 1 April

Winners of this year's Photo Competition can be found here


*** - Please read the latest Tick Guidance ***

The Big City Butterflies project has secured funding - please click here

A new report shows that larger moths in Britain have declined by a third in the last 50 years. Please read the statement and the full report from Butterfly Conservation

Please see the presentation by Steve Bolton about the Brilliant Butterflies Project regarding chalk grassland management for butterflies like the Small Blue. Click here

Beat the lockdown blues by helping us find blackthorn whilst on your daily exercise walk - our new branch project. Click here

Please check the Can you help? table for the latest updates, including transects to be walked in 2021