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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Ready, Steady, Quiz!!
Our brand new Butterfly Conservation quiz launches today, test your knowledge on a wide variety of butterfly and moth related questions!
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Get creative for nature for a chance to win!
Do you love nature and want to make sure it’s protected? Enter our competition to design a banner for the Restore Nature Now demonstration in London.
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Treasure hunters wanted to help find one of the rarest jewels in Northern Ireland wildlife
Nature lovers asked to get photos of beautiful ‘colour-changing’ moth.
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Gardeners back less frequent lawn mowing, poll finds, as ‘No Mow May’ begins
Almost half of gardeners do not plan to mow their lawn more than once in May, a survey suggests, as Plantlife’s annual campaign to boost nature in gardens kicks off.
Events
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Aston Upthorpe, led by Peter Philp
Sunday 19th May 2024 at 10:30 am
Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon
A walk to look for spring butterflies and day-flying moths, including both Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper as well as Green Hairstreak.
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Ivinghoe Beacon, led by Steph Rodgers
Sunday 19th May 2024 at 10:30 am
Ivinghoe Beacon NT, Bucks
A walk to enjoy a variety of spring butterflies including a chance to see Duke of Burgundy.
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An Upper Thames Branch Guided Walk at Yoesden Bank, led by Brenda Mobbs
Thursday 23rd May 2024 at 10:30 am
Yoesden Bank BBOWT, Bucks
A relaxed amble to enjoy spring butterflies. Target Species: Adonis Blue and other downland species.
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