We work with many different landowners, private and corporate, to maintain and improve wildlife habitats; specialising in the flora and insect life of sites across the region.
Learn to survey for the early life stages of the Duke of Burgundy Butterfly
Practical details
Learning • Learning
Contact person
Nick Bowles
#117508
Scan me or visit www.volunteerbucks.org.uk/o/Upper-Thames-branch-Butterfly-Conservation/opportunities/Learn-to-survey-for-the-early-life-stages-of-the-Duke-of-Burgundy-Butterfly/117508 to join
We will meet Pistone Hill (23 May, 3 & 19 June) and walk to survey for early life stages of this extremely rare butterfly.
At 10.00 on 23 May 2026, 03 June 2026 & 19 June 26 we will move from the car park to an area where this butterfly (which is threatened with extinction across Europe) has recently colonised and try to ascertain the exact conditions in which it has chosen to lay eggs and the subsequent success of the larvae that develop. This requires a careful search of cowslip leaves, so reasonable eyesight is an advantage, as is an ability to kneel down for lengthy periods.
Full training in recognising the eggs and larvae will be given. I expect to search for approx 3 hours each time we go out, but in very good weather we might stay an additional 30 mins or so.
Our aim is to find out the conditions the butterfly is choosing so that we can create these around the site (in the winter) and help the buttefly expand on its limited range; which of course will strengthen the chances of it surviving longer term. it is wonderful that such a rare insect lives in Bucks and we want to keep it!
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About Upper Thames branch, Butterfly Conservation
We work with many different landowners, private and corporate, to maintain and improve wildlife habitats; specialising in the flora and insect life of sites across the region.
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