Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
The 2025 programme of walks is currently being prepared and events will be added when confirmed.
Whether a member of Butterfly Conservation or not, you are welcome to join us at any of our free butterfly walks or moth events.
We have been reviewing our booking system again and some events will require advance booking through an online booking provider such as Eventbrite, although some walk leaders are happy to have no advance booking.
Sadly the Big City Butterfly Project has ended but we hope to include several walks in the project area this year
BUTTERFLY WALKS ARE FOR EVERYONE! You most emphatically do NOT have to be an expert to come on a butterfly walk. Butterfly walks can be enjoyed by anyone with any level of knowledge (or none). Photographers, children (with adult supervision), first-time participants, you are ALL welcome. Butterfly Conservation does not ask for any donation or payment to attend their walks; however some of the walks included in this programme when organised by another organisations may request a donation and/or a fee.
Neighbouring branches also have a wide-ranging programme of walks; some are quite close to our branch borders. The full list of Butterfly Conservation events can be viewed on the national website - here
A printable copy of the 2025 walks programme in pdf format will be available in due course
Last updated 08 February 2025
| Date: | Saturday 12th APRIL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event: | Branch Members' Day an Open Meeting incorporating the branch AGM |
| Location: | Orton Hall, Greenwood Park |
| Address and/or grid ref: | Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans, AL2 3HW |
| Time/meeting place: | Doors open at 10:30 |
| What3words: | https://w3w.co/nights.single.dull This is for the entrance drive to the carpark off Tippendell Lane. |
| Transport & directions: | By Rail: Nearest stations - Abbey Line (Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey) How Wood or Park Street, less than 5 minutes by car, or an approx. 20 minute walk see Abbey Line for timetable www.abbeyline.org.uk.
By Bus: 652 St Albans - Watford stops outside the centre - see Intalink for timetable www.intalink.org.uk. By Car: The entrance to Greenwood Park and the Centre is located off Tippendell Lane close to the A405, approximately 1.5 miles from M25, J21A and 2 miles from M1 J6. At the Tippendell Lane roundabout on the A405 follow the signs to Greenwood Park. There is plenty of free car parking when you reach the centre. |
Information | Full details will be available when confirmed including the programme and complete list of speakers. However, we can confirm that our keynote speaker will be Tim Blackburn author of "The Jewel Box", winner of the ZSL Clarivate Award for Communicating Zoology! |
| Date: | Sunday 4 MAY 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event Title: | Spring butterflies and bluebell walk with the Friends of Cassiobury Park and Watford Borough Council |
| Location: | Whippendell Woods |
| Address and/or grid ref: | Cassiobury Park, Gade Avenue, Watford WD18 7LG. TQ091973 [Landranger Map 166] |
| Time/meeting place: | 14:00 - 16:00 meet just into the park from the entrance opposite Langley Way, WD18 3BD |
| What3words: | https://what3words.com/match.case.bliss |
| Transport & directions: | Cassiobury Park is a 2 minute walk from the Watford Metropolitan line station. Exit the station onto Cassiobury Park Avenue and turn right, after about 150 metres turn left onto Shepherds Road - the park is straight ahead of you. Alternatively Watford Junction (1.3 miles) and Watford High Street (2.1 miles) are the two closest Overground stations. There is one official car park for Cassiobury Park at the end of Gade Avenue near the bottom of Cassiobury Park Avenue (WD18 7LG is the nearest postcode). It should be noted that the car park does get very busy if the weather is good and there is a small charge these days. So best to arrive early to avoid parking problems. There is street parking at weekends along the roads off Langley Way, such as Parkside Drive. |
| Information | There are toilets at the ‘Hub’ although the café in the park can get quite busy therefore it is suggested you bring your own refreshments. |
| Contact details | Peter Fewell ~ 07814 282356 or email: p.fewell@yahoo.com |
| Booking details: | Advance booking with Eventbrite will be required |
*The Branch sells the FSC Identification Guide to Butterflies. Contact Malcolm Hull for more information (07768 154324 or email: malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk)
Children
Children are welcome at our events, but if under 16 they must be accompanied by at least one adult for two children. It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) to ensure that the event is within the children's ability.
Dogs
Dogs are normally welcome on walks but must be kept under control. Any exceptions are shown in the individual event details.
Bad weather
Leaders of Branch-led walks will be at the meeting point whatever the weather, but may cancel the event if conditions are unsuitable. Any exceptions are shown in the individual event details. Other organisations and BC branches have different policies. Please contact the named leader for the walk before travelling if you have any concerns.
Lyme Disease
We recommend that all attendees understand the symptoms of Lyme Disease and take the relevant precautions. For more information visit the branch website -
here
Special needs
Unfortunately, most walks will not be suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Please contact the named leader in advance if you have any concerns about accessibility.
What3words
We have tried to include the What3word link for each event. To download the App visit: https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app
Public Transport
We aim to give as much information as possible, although unfortunately some of the Hertfordshire events are not easily accessible by public transport. Train times should be checked, as timetables change and engineering works take place on Saturdays and Sundays. In 2024 industrial action may also affect travel arrangements. We recommend using public transport for all events in London.
If using your car please check you are ULEZ compliant https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone