Butterfly walks - Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation

Butterfly Walks and Moth Events - 2024


We invite all our Butterfly Conservation members as well as members of the public to our butterfly walks and moth events. We have been reviewing our booking system and although some walks (when organised by a third party) may still require booking through an online booking provider such as Eventbrite, the majority will either ask you to email the walk leader to confirm your attendance or no advance booking will be needed.

The link to the Big City Butterfly Eventbrite booking page is here and booking links and events will be added throughout the summer: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/butterfly-conservation-42542657503

Additional butterfly walks and moth events may be arranged by the following wildlife organisations:

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
London Wildlife Trust

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

Please read the important information at the end of the programme

A printable copy of the walks programme in pdf format can be downloaded here

Last updated 27 JUNE 2024

Date: Monday 24 - Sunday 30 JUNE 2024
Event Title: Insect Week 2024
Information Royal Entomological Society Insect Week runs from Monday 24 JUNE to Sunday 30 JUNE 2024. Events are organised across our branch area
Details Full details and list of events are available here

 Insect Week 24
Insect Week 2024


Date: Saturday 29 JUNE 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk and examining the contents of the previous night's moth trap with the Holland Park Ecology Centre lead by Andrew Wood
Location: Holland Park (The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea)
Address and/or grid ref: 10:00 - 11:30 at Holland Park Ecology Centre. At the western side of Holland Park by the adventure playground and next to the Abbotsbury Road Car Park. Entrance to the park is via Ilchester Place Gate, Abbotsbury Road Car Park, the Duchess of Bedford Gate or from Holland Walk and Holland Park Avenue.
Time: Bus routes that serve Holland Park are 9, 23, 27, 28, 49, 328 and C1 (Kensington side) and 31, 94, 148, 228 (Holland Park Station side). London Underground stations: Holland Park (Central line) and Kensington High Street (Circle and District). Overground station: Kensington (Olympia)
Transport: Nearest station is King's Cross
Information: We strongly advise using public transport if possible - this is a free event but booking is essential
Booking details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/holland-park-ecology-centre-6717291179


Date: Sunday 30 JUNE 2024
Event Title: Butterfly Walk for early summer butterflies 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: No booking is required

White Admiral - Peter Fewell
Silver-washed Fritillary - Peter Fewell
White Admiral
Whippendell Woods 2023
© Peter Fewell
Silver-washed Fritillary
Whippendell Woods 2023
© Peter Fewell


Date: Friday 5 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided Butterfly walk at Hampstead Heath with Heath Hands
Location: Hampstead Heath (London Borough of Camden)
Address and/or grid ref: Nassington Road, Hampstead Heath, nearest postcode NW3 2TY - TQ277858 [Landranger Map 176]
Time/meeting place: 12 noon – 2pm Meet outside The Hive, Hampstead Heath (Hampstead Heath's community and volunteering hub)
What3words: https://https://w3w.co/noble.barn.length
Transport & directions: It is recommended you use public transport. The nearest station is Hampstead Heath (London Overground) then approx. ½ mile walk
Information: In the case of wet weather, there is a room at the Hive which will be used for part of the session.
Event Leaders: Heath Hands email: bookings@heath-hands.org.uk
Booking details: https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/whatson/butterflywalk05july

Heath Hands logo.png


Date: Saturday 6 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided Butterfly Walk at Wormwood Scrubs (London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham) (a Big City Butterflies event)
Location: Wormwood Scrubs
Address and/or grid ref: Scrubs Lane W12 0HU
Time: 11:00 in the Scrubs Lane carpark, W12 0HU. Walk to last approx. 1 ½ hours (note change of meeting place and time to details previously advertised)
Information: Join RSPB officer Kate McVay for this guided butterfly walk. Target species include Small and Essex Skipper.
Booking details Any queries please email : Kate

Date: Sunday 7 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Bricket Wood Common for White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary.
Location: Bricket Wood Common, Hertfordshire
Address and/or grid ref: Nearest postcode AL2 3PJ - TL136021 [Landranger Map 166]
Time/meeting place: 10:00 in the car park at St Stephen's Parish Centre, Station Road, Bricket Wood. Morning walk to finish approx. 12:30 - see below for afternoon extension details
What3words: St Stephen's Parish Centrehttps://w3w.co/legend.visit.spray
Transport: Nearest station is Bricket Wood Station (London Northwestern Railway - Watford Junction to St. Albans Abbey Station)
Directions:From the roundabout at Junction 6 on the M1, take the slip road signed M1 south. Take the left turn halfway along this road (Mount Pleasant Lane), do not join the motorway. After a few twists & turns after about a mile you pass under a railway bridge. Continue along the road which bends sharply to the left. Pass Bricket Wood Station and the parish centre car park is on your right just after the junction with Drop Lane.
Information: Optional extra - We will also be looking to repeat the sightings of Purple Emperor made in previous years from 12:30 -15:00. Bring packed lunch if you wish to stay for the afternoon and binoculars
Contact details: Chris Newman & Malcolm Hull ~ 07768 154324 or email: malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
Booking details: No booking is required

White Admiral - Clive Burrows
Comma - Chris Newman
White Admiral at Bricket Wood 2023
© Clive Burrows
Comma at Bricket Wood 2023
© Chris Newman


Date: Friday 12 JULY 2024 ** NEW **
Event Title: Butterfly Walk with Warren Farm Nature Reserve, Brent River Park and Butterfly Conservation
Location: Warren Farm Local Nature Reserve (LB of Ealing)
Address and/or grid ref: TQ149794
Time/meeting place: 10:30 The Fox Inn, Green Lane, Hanwell, London, W7 2PJ - walk to finish approx. 13:50
What3words: https://w3w.co/sings.crop.river
Transport & directions: Piccadilly Line, Boston Manor Station. (27 minute) Scenic route walk through Elthorne Park and along the canal riverside or take any bus at the only stop to the left as you exit (7mins), getting off at Lower Boston Road walking to The Fox Inn (3 mins). Bicycle racks are available at The Fox Inn.
Information Celebrate day one of the Big Butterfly Count 2024 by joining Naturalist Neil Anderson on a guided walk around our 61 acre rewilded wildflower meadow habitat, Warren Farm Nature Reserve in Ealing, London. Excitedly this species-rich site and its surrounding Brent River Park Meadows are awaiting Local Nature Reserve designation. Come record an array of Butterfly species from Green Hairstreaks to Marbled whites and more, this will be a fun and informative walk followed by a friendly get-together for food and drinks at The Fox Inn afterwards. Please check the weather on the day, wear suitable clothing, hat, walking boots/shoes (hopefully sunscreen will be needed!) and we recommend bringing a bottle of water. This is a ticketed event with 25 places available.
Contact details Naturalist and Walk Lead; Neil Anderson, mobile 07922 232801. Warren Farm Nature Reserve and Brent River Park trustee email: Katie Boyles
Booking details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warren-farm-nr-butterfly-walk-tickets-915637635817

Warren Farm copyright Warren Farm
Warren Farm LNR
© Warren Farm NR Trustees


Date: Saturday 13 JULY 2024
Event Title: A series of short walks for summer butterflies with the Friends of Cassiobury Park and Watford Borough Council. Part of Watford Council's Wildfest events programme
Location: Cassiobury Park & Whippendell Woods
Address and/or grid ref: Cassiobury Park, Gade Avenue, Watford WD18 7LG
Time/meeting place: Timings and meeting place to be confirmed - open to the public between 10:00 & 16:00
What3words: To be confirmed
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 Visit the branch sales stand and enjoy some short guided walks in search of summer butterflies. 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: No booking required

Wildfest
Wildfest 2024


Date: Sunday 14 JULY 2024
Event Title: Purple Emperor experiment with the Friends of Cassiobury Park and Watford Borough Council
Location: The Lime Walk, Cassiobury Park
Address and/or grid ref: Along the Lime Walk at Cassiobury Park - TQ0869297610 [Landranger Map 166]
Time/meeting place: 10:00 onwards along the Lime Walk - you'll see the table!
What3words: https://w3w.co/bank.indeed.rainy
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: The experiment conducted is to try and attract a Purple Emperor down from the Lime trees - this might not succeed but we hope to give people the opportunity to learn a little more about Purple Emperors. We will also put on a few other butterfly excursions on during the day. 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.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: No booking is required

Purple Emperor - Peter Fewell
Silver-washed Fritillary - Peter Fewell
Purple Emperor
Whippendell Woods 2023
© Peter Fewell
Silver-washed Fritillary
Whippendell Woods 2023
© Peter Fewell


Date: Sunday 14 JULY 2024
Event Title: Butterfly Identification Walk at Gladstone Park with the Friends of Gladstone Park
Location: Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill (Brent Council)
Address and/or grid ref: 1 Kendal Road, Dollis Hill, London NW10 1JH - TQ221855 [Landranger Map 176]
Time/meeting place: 11:00 - 13:00 meet at the green railway bridge opposite 1 Kendal Road
What3words: https://w3w.co/dwell.family.spots
Transport & directions: The nearest tube station is Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line) a short walk from the meeting place or you can park in the street. There are always places along Kendal Road. If you take the tube please turn right after the ticket turnstiles, go up the steps, across the zebra crossing and along Hamilton Road directly opposite the station exit, then at the park turn left.
Information:
Contact details: Paul Busby, Herts & Middlesex Butterfly Conservation buzz113@hotmail.co.uk
Booking details: No booking is required

Friends of Gladstone Park
Big City Butterflies
Friends of Gladstone Park

Big City Butterflies
Identification walk
© Big City Butterflies


Date: Sunday 14 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Tower Hamlets Cemetery with the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (London Borough of Tower Hamlets)
Location: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Local Nature Reserve
Address and/or grid ref: Soanes Centre, Southern Grove, E3 4PX. TQ367823 [Landranger Map 177]
Time/meeting place: 10:30 - 12:00 The Soanes Centre, on the right as you enter via the main gates on Southern Grove E3 4PX
Transport & directions: Mile End Underground Station (Central, District and Hammersmith and City Lines) is approx. 5 minute walk from the Tube entrance/exit.
Information An opportunity to be shown around this famous urban, closed cemetery, now a public park and a designated local nature reserve. Weather permitting, we'll be at the peak of the summer butterflies, and could see up to 17 species, including Ringlet, Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Gatekeeper and three kinds of Skipper. In poor weather, we'll learn about these butterflies from pictures, and look at caterpillar food plants and nectar plants. Donations will be appreciated.
Booking details: Ticket Tailor booking link

Brimstone on teasel -  teasel
Holly Blues - Tower Hamlets
Brimstone on Teasel
© Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery
Holly Blues on Tansy
© Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery


Date: Saturday 27 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Therfield Heath for Chalkhill Blue and summer butterflies with Cambridgeshire & Essex Branch (with kind permission of the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens). This walk should be close to the peak of the Chalkhill Blue season.
Location: Therfield Heath, near Royston
Address and/or grid ref: TL347405 postcode SG8 5BG (Postcode is same for 3 car parks on the Heath make sure you are at the main one near tennis courts not Golf Club or small one without any buildings near McDonalds)
Time/meeting place: 10:30 at the main Therfield Heath car park. (morning walk to finish before 13:00). Refreshments available from adjacent Heath Cafe Bar before or afterwards. The leader will be at the start whatever the weather, but there will not be many butterflies to see in wet weather so do not travel far if the forecast is poor.
What3words: https://w3w.co/midfield.hiding.bunch
Transport & directions: Nearest station: Royston (Thameslink from London Kings Cross to Cambridge). Directions from the A505 just west of Royston, take the exit to Royston (old road) that runs beneath the Heath; the car park is approx. 1km on the right.
Information There will be some steep slopes. The use of close focusing binoculars might be beneficial when looking at the close detail of some of the smaller butterflies
Contact details Nick Keep ~ 07305 241796 (for queries)
Booking details: No booking is required

Therfield Heath Conservators
Chalkhill Blue - Paddy Grove
Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens
Chalkhill Blue at Therfield Heath
© Paddy Grove


Date: Saturday 27 JULY 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk to visit Butterfly Conservation's only reserve in the Herts & Middlesex area and see a range of summer butterflies and look at the moths recorded the previous night. Part of the Big Butterfly Count programme of butterfly walks.
Location: Millhoppers Pasture Reserve.
Address and/or grid ref: Postcode HP23 4PE - SP903142 [Landranger Map 165] (Please note this is the grid reference of the meeting place not the Reserve)
Time/meeting place: 10:30 at Wilstone Village Hall for a short walk across the fields to the Reserve. Walk to last approx. 2 hours after the moths have been looked at.
What3words: Meeting place https://w3w.co/serenade.busy.guard
Transport & directions: Nearest railway stations: Tring (West Midlands Trains from London Euston) or Wendover (Chiltern Railways from London Marylebone) Suitable for children and an ideal opportunity to develop Butterfly identification skills.
Information
Contact details Email: millhoppers@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk or on the day Chris Ridley ~ 07463 821287
Booking details: Email: millhoppers@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk to reserve your place

Gatekeeper - Peter Fewell
Brimstone - Peter Fewell
Gatekeeper
©Peter Fewell
Brimstone
© Peter Fewell


Date: Saturday 27 JULY 2024
Event Title: Demonstration of moth trapping at Heartwood Forest with the Woodland Trust and Heartwood Volunteers lead by local moth expert Mark Sterling
Location: Heartwood Forest
Address and/or grid ref: Heartwood Forest, carpark off the B651, Sandridge AL4 9DQ
Time/meeting place: 21:00 to 00:00
What3words: https://what3words.com/cheat.post.half
Transport & directions: Nearest station St Albans City (Thameslink from London St Pancras Intl.) approx. 2.45 miles. There are two bus services which stop at Sandridge, one from Hitchin to Potters Bar (via St Albans) and one from Hemel Hempstead to Hatfield via Harpenden. Directions from the south. Head north from St Albans along the B651 towards Wheathampstead. Pass through the village of Sandridge along the main road and turn left at the brown road sign for Heartwood Forest (TL172110). Park in the main car park, situated off the B651, (Postcode AL4 9DQ).
Information Free event but donations will be appreciated to help support the management of the woodland. Come prepared for potentially cold and wet weather and dress appropriately in warm clothes and wear suitable footwear. Bring a torch - a head torch is ideal but not essential. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This walk is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues and is not wheelchair accessible. No dogs please
Contact details When booking please also email heartwood@woodlandtrust.org.uk with your mobile phone number so that the walk organisers can contact you in the unlikely event of cancellation due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Booking details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/moth-catching-demonstration-at-heartwood-forest-tickets-828361881687

Black Arches - Liz Goodyear
Poplar Hawk-moth - Liz Goodyear
Black Arches
©Liz Goodyear
Poplar Hawk-moth
© Liz Goodyear


Date: Thursday 1 AUGUST 2024
Event Title: An early morning walk at Claybury Park looking for the elusive Brown Hairstreak at the invitation of Cambs & Essex Branch of Butterfly Conservation.
Location: Claybury Park, Woodford Bridge, London Borough of Redbridge
Address and/or grid ref: Nearest postcode IG8 8NQ - TQ4248391229 [Landranger Map 177 or 167]
Time/meeting place: 09:00 - 11:00 - Please meet outside the gates to the park on Roding Lane North at TQ4248391229 (just south of the junction with Vicarage Road). There is plenty of unrestricted free parking along Roding Lane North
What3words: https://w3w.co/offers.forms.loaded
Transport & directions: Woodford Green tube station (Central Line) is a 15-20 minutes' walk from the meeting point.
Information The Brown Hairstreak had been missing from the Cambridgeshire & Essex Branch area for generations but the discovery of eggs in Claybury Park in December 2022 and again last winter suggests this species is resident once again in Essex. Join us for an early start at Claybury Park to try and see this beautiful and elusive butterfly. This guided walk will aim to locate likely assembly trees to try and catch the morning activity of the Brown Hairstreak males as they seek the attention of females. Along the way we will be keeping an eye out for any females that may be lower down on blackthorn or nectaring on adjacent flowers.
Contact details Ian Watts - see email below for all communications
Booking details: The walk is limited to 10 attendees - please contact Ian Watts ian@ianwatts.co.uk to confirm your place

Claybury Park - Liz Goodyear
Claybury Park
© Liz Goodyear


Date: Wednesday 7 AUGUST 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Stafford Road Open Space for summer butterflies and the hope of seeing the elusive Brown Hairstreak butterfly in the blackthorn scrub
Location: Stafford Road Open Space in the London Borough of Hillingdon
Address and/or grid ref: Postcode HA4 6NF - TQ100858 [Landranger Map 176]
Time/meeting place: 10:15 at Ruislip Gardens Underground Station (Central Line Zone 7) for 10:30 start. Aim to finish by 13:00
What3words: Ruislip Gardens Station - https://w3w.co/pace.ashes.bump
Transport & directions: On Central Line, also E7 bus (every 20 minutes) from Ruislip (Metropolitan & Piccadilly) to Ealing Broadway (District and National rail). Very limited pay and display parking at station, some off street parking plus car parks at Sidmouth Drive (HA4 ODA) and Ruislip Gardens shops at New Pond Parade, West End Road (HA4 6LR).
Information We will meet everyone at Ruislip Gardens Station and walk from there - there is an approx. 1km walk to the site along footpaths. Strong shoes are advisable - those attending must be mindful that blackthorn has sharp thorns so care should be taken if taking photos.
Contact details Nick Furtek - see email below for all communications
Booking details: Email Nick Furtek nick_furtek@yahoo.co.uk to reserve your place

Brown Hairstreak - Nick Furtek
Brown Hairstreak - Tony Kavanagh
Brown Hairsteak at Stafford Road
© Nick Furtek
Brown Hairsteak at Stafford Road
© Tony Kavanagh


Date: Sunday 18 AUGUST 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Clothall Common, Baldock for 'Summer Blues' including hopefully second brood Adonis and Small Blue with Cambridgeshire & Essex Branch of Butterfly Conservation
Location: Clothall Common, Baldock
Address and/or grid ref: TL257342 [Landranger Map 153] - postcode SG7 6SU (Aleyn Way)
Time/meeting place: 11:00 at the entrance to the Open Space at the north end of Aleyn Way - this is a residential street (morning walk to finish before 13:00).
What3words: https://w3w.co/fame.powder.upper
Transport & directions: Nearest station: Baldock (Thameslink from London Kings Cross to Cambridge). From the A505 just east of Baldock, take the slip road exit to Baldock (old road) into the town and at the traffic lights turn left onto the A507 (directions Buntingford). Just before you cross the Baldock Bypass there is a roundabout; take the first turning onto Wallington Road marked as a dead end. Follow the road around, then at a small roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Yeomanry Drive and then turn right onto Aleyn Way - the meeting point is at the end of the road. Parking will be on street so please respect local residents.
Information This is our first visit to Clothall Common which was created when the Baldock Bypass was built and now become established as a very good site for 'blue' butterflies!
Contact details Malcolm Hull ~ 07768 154324 or email: malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
Booking details: No booking is required

Clothall Common
Small Blue - Ian Small
view across to Clothall Common
© Andrew Wood
Small Blue at Clothall Common
© Ian Small


Date: Saturday 24 AUGUST 2024
Event Title: Guided butterfly walk at Therfield Heath for Adonis Blue and other second brood butterflies with Cambridgeshire & Essex Branch of Butterfly Conservation (with kind permission of the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens).
Location: Therfield Heath, near Royston
Address and/or grid ref: TL347405 postcode SG8 5BG (Postcode is same for 3 car parks on the Heath make sure you are at the main one near tennis courts not Golf Club or small one without any buildings near McDonalds)
Time/meeting place: 10:30 at the main Therfield Heath car park. (morning walk to finish before 13:00). Refreshments available from adjacent Heath Cafe Bar before or afterwards. The leader will be at the start whatever the weather, but there will not be many butterflies to see in wet weather so do not travel far if the forecast is poor.
What3words: https://w3w.co/midfield.hiding.bunch
Transport & directions: Nearest station: Royston (Thameslink from London Kings Cross to Cambridge). Directions from the A505 just west of Royston, take the exit to Royston (old road) that runs beneath the Heath; the car park is approx. 1km on the right.
Information There will be some steep slopes. Separate your blues - at this event last year we saw 5 species of Blue (Adonis, Chalkhill, Common, Holly and Brown Argus). We are still hopeful that the Small Blue will colonise from nearby sites on private land to make six. Maybe this year? The use of close focusing binoculars might be beneficial when looking at the close detail of some of the smaller butterflies
Contact details Nick Keep ~ 07305 241796 (for queries)
Booking details: No booking is required

Therfield Heath Conservators
Adonis Blue - Martin Johnson
Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens
Adonis Blue at Therfield Heath
© Martin Johnson


Date: Sunday 29 SEPTEMBER 2024
Event Title: Guided walk at Normansland Common for Small Copper and other early autumn butterflies.
Location: Nomansland Common, near Sandridge
Address and/or grid ref: Nearest postcode AL4 8EJ - TL171123 [Landranger Map 166]
Time/meeting place: 14:00 in the public car park at Ferrers Lane in the middle of the Common. This walk to last 1 to 1 ½ hours
What3words: https://w3w.co/voting.racing.chill
Transport & directions: Nearest station is Harpenden (Thameslink from London St. Pancras Int.) - approx 3 miles. From St Albans take the B651 north towards Wheathampstead. Pass through Sandridge Village and you will reach the common half a mile further on. At the cross roads in the centre of the common, turn left into Ferrers Lane. The car park is 500 yards along on the left.
Information
Contact details Malcolm Hull ~ 07768 154324 or email: malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
Booking details: No booking required

Small Copper - Peter Fewell
Small Copper - Peter Fewell
Small Copper
© Peter Fewell
Small Copper
© Peter Fewell


Important advice for an enjoyable butterfly walk or moth event in 2024
  • Please do not attend if you have had a positive COVID-19 test within 7 days prior to the meeting; you have any COVID symptoms or feel unwell
  • Always wear strong shoes
  • You should wear trousers or ensure legs are covered
  • Bring sun protection cream and a sunhat in hot weather
  • Bring something to drink
  • Bring insect repellent
  • Dark glasses should be worn at evening moth events
  • If you decide to leave an event before the end, please tell the leader that you are going
  • It is recommended you bring binoculars especially if looking for woodland butterflies
  • If new to butterfly identification bring along a field guide*

*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