Branch Recording


Keeping Records

Over half the remaining species of butterflies in North Wales are under threat. Recording of the butterflies and moths seen in the region is vital to our conservation work. Without the records sent in by members and non-members to the County Recorders at the end of each year we would have little idea of where each species lives and how much, or how little, they are declining. The more data we can collect the better we are able to advise County Councils, Country parks, Reserves and landowners of where the most important habitats should be preserved and enhanced for the butterflies and moths most at risk.

Butterfly Conservation published "The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Great Britain" in 2001 from records sent in by its members. This is a beautiful and easy to read book as well as being a unique scientific  document of the state of our butterflies at the Millennium. In 2006 an update to this atlas was also published, along with a booklet on the state of Britain's Moths. Go to www.butterfly-conservation.org to find more details and how to purchase it at a special member's discount.

Please help us to save butterflies!

		If you would like to help us by keeping records of the butterflies you see in your garden, on walks or on holiday, you can print off a copy of a recording form with the names of only the butterflies you can see in North Wales by clicking here:- Record Form The address of the Recorder to send your completed form to can be found by clicking here:-Recorders. The tricky bit can be keeping track of your recording form throughout the year! Some people do this by pinning it to the kitchen notice board, or by keeping it in the glove compartment of their car so that it is always there when they go out for a walk. For an online workshop to help you identify the butterflies you can see in North Wales click here; Butterfly ID For recording the many more species of moths it is best to just write down the ones you see, with the date and location and send to your local moth recorder, also listed on the County Recorders page.

Transects

If you would like to make a more detailed study of the butterflies in a certain area you can walk a weekly Transect and record your data on Transect forms instructions can be viewed by clicking here:- Transect Forms and all Transect forms can be copied or printed off from the national website; www.butterfly-conservation.org

Identification Training

If you would like to learn more about identifying butterflies and/or moths to help you record the ones you see, our Branch runs identification courses each year - see 'Events' on the main menu. If you would like an identification course and training in Transects and Timed Counts especially for your local group, Country Park or company, (over 10 people) please contact Jan Miller at; education@northwalesbutterflies.org.uk