The future of our butterfly and moth populations in Britain is under threat with many specialist species in serious decline. Butterfly Conservation's reason for being is to save these populations by identifying the causes for the decline and carrying out corrective measures to halt and reverse the trend.

To do this successfully we need volunteer help locally in Wiltshire, particularly from those who may not yet members of BC, to record what is out there by conducting butterfly transects and moth trapping. We have to know what species we have and how they are prospering if we are to save them. Help with scrub clearance on important sites is also a vital role for volunteers.

In parallel we need to educate the community and in particular the younger generation about moths and butterflies by way of public events such as the annual Bird & Butterfly Day at Iford Manor near Bradford on Avon.

Maurice Avent

Chairman

Wiltshire Butterfly Conservation are seeking volunteers to record butterflies on some of the special sites in south Wiltshire; these include SSSI's and Natural England sites, and one or two known good butterfly sites. The recorder should make a least one visit per month, with the option of further visits if desired.

If you think you can help, or for further information, please contact Frank Crosier by email at frankcrosier@hotmail.co.uk or by telephone on 01722 790419

Below is a list of sites for which we still require recorders.

Tytherington Down                            ST912385
Bowerchalke Down                           SU019225
Cranborne Chase                              ST965 195
Knapp and Barnett's Hill                    SU022 275
Knighton Down and Woods               SU060 248
Prescombe Down                              ST990 250
Whiteparish Common                        SU255 225
Burcombe Punch Bowl                      SU069 299
Hydon Hill/Hut Bottom                       SU044 274
White Sheet Cutting                          ST937 241
Downs south of Bowerchalke           SU003 226
Vernditch Chase                               SU035 210
Stonedown Wood                             ST995 205
Berkley Woods (Longleat Est)          ST815 485
Black Dog Woods (Longleat Est)      ST825 488

Grovely Wood East                           SU05-07
Grovely  Down/Custom Bottom        SU087 32--33
Win Green/Quarry Bottom (Wilts)     ST91-95 18-20
Redlynch E                                        SU 21-22 17

Welcome the Wiltshire branch of Butterfly Conservation.

Our new look website has some great new features,

1. Report your butterfly sightings online.
2. Link your butterfly / moth photographs to your sightings
3. Optionally receive an email when someone submits a sighting online.
4. Optionally, only have your sighting reported to the county recorder. (for sensitive sites or species)
5. Find information about local events such as field trips, members meetings and Mothing events.

To use these new features you will need to register using the registration tab.

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