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Where ( and how ) to find butterflies
 
Section 1 - FIELD MEETINGS
Section 2 - BUTTERFLY-WATCHING HOLIDAYS
Section 3 - WHERE TO SEE BUTTERFLIES
Section 4 - HOW TO SEE BUTTERFLIES
 
Field meetings in the U.K.

learn from the experts

If you love butterflies, you probably also love the peace and solitude of the countryside, and may not like the idea of joining a group of "ramblers", but for beginners there is no better way to learn than by attending the field meetings held by local branches of the Wildlife Trusts or Butterfly Conservation.

Both organise regular events where you can be shown around nature reserves and learn about the habitats, study butterfly behaviour, and be taught how to identify the more difficult species.

These field meetings are led by expert butterfly enthusiasts, who like nothing more than introducing newcomers to the fascinating pastime of butterfly watching. You can also learn about how butterfly populations are monitored, how nature reserves are managed, and get the chance to meet other butterfly-watchers and photographers who will happily share their knowledge with you.

County branches of Butterfly Conservation typically offer a program of between 10 - 30 field meetings throughout the butterfly flight season. These include visits to woodlands, heaths and grassland sites, some of which have public access, while others may be on private properties. Meetings are attended by people of all ages and levels of experience. Singles, couples, and friends are all welcome, and there are even special events for families and kids. Entry is nearly always free of charge !

The branches usually organise additional evening events throughout the winter months, with films, slide shows and talks aimed at everyone from complete beginners to experts. They also organise winter work parties where you can help with scrub clearance at local nature reserves. Don't worry though - none of these activities are compulsory - you can just go to a couple of field meetings if you want, but if you want to get more deeply involved there are dozens of activities in which you can participate - e.g. recording, site management, fundraising or committee work.

USA, Canada and Mexico

In North America you can join NABA - the North American Butterfly Association, who run field trips and butterfly-watching holidays.

The rest of the world

Almost every country in the world has some form of natural history society or butterfly study group that would welcome you as a member and be happy to help you develop your interest.

The easiest way to locate such societies is to use an internet search engine such as Google. Other sources of information include public libraries, universities, museums, local authorities and governmental environment agencies.

Learnaboutbutterflies.com will be pleased to publish further information about entomological and/or natural history organisations anywhere in the world. Please contact me with details.

 

 

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