Welcome
The Upper Thames Branch covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, which includes the beautiful rolling hills of the Chilterns. It is home to several rare species of butterfly and moth, including the Black Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper and the Striped Lychnis.
If you live in the region and are a member of Butterfly Conservation you automatically become a member of the Upper Thames branch.
Species to look out for
Find out more
Butterfly sightings
Send us your sightings and find out what has been spotted near you.
Moth sightings
Take a look at the moths you could find in your area, and send your sightings to our moth recorders.
Get involved
News
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Has the ‘COVID effect’ worn off for nature lovers?
Big Butterfly Count sees a drop in participants compared to 2020 and 2021, and urges the public not to forget the benefits of being connected to nature – and it’s not too late to take part!
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Migratory monarch butterfly now Endangered - IUCN Red List
Gland, Switzerland, 21 July 2022 (IUCN) – The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus), known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas, has entered the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM as Endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change.
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Butterfly scientists call on public for help.
Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with a warning that time is running out to help save species.
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Butterflies, heatwaves, and drought
The heatwave currently being experienced by some southern and eastern parts of the UK is of concern for human health and the welfare of pets and livestock, but what about our butterflies?
Events
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk with Maureen Cross
Saturday 13th August, 10:30 am
Lardon Chase, Streatley, Berks
A guided walk to see some of the diversity of grassland and scrub butterflies recorded at this site.
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk with Tom Dunbar
Sunday 14th August, 10:00 am
Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon
Walk to see the late summer specialist butterflies of this site.
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Upper Thames: Work Party 17 Aug 22
Wednesday 17th August 2022, 10:00am-1:30pm
Work party at Holtspur Bottom, Bucks
Volunteer with us
Butterfly Conservation relies on the support of thousands of volunteers, and we are always looking for more help inside the office and out in the field. Whether you want to volunteer at a local branch, get outside and help manage our nature reserves, or help with one of our events, we have something for everyone to get involved in! Your time can make a real difference.
Branch information
Reserves
In your area
Contact branch
- Chairman
Nick Bowles - Honorary Secretary & Branch Contact
Dave Wilton