Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
We invite all our Butterfly Conservation members as well as members of the public to join us at our Brown Hairstreak survey and training events and Volunteer tasks.
Link to Winter Zoom Presentations 2025-2026 here
Last updated 30 January 2026
This winter we are working with CPRE the countryside charity in a program of hedge and tree planting in Hertfordshire. The project is called HEDGEROW HEROES.
| Date: | New Year 2026 * More dates added * |
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| Details: | Hedgerow Heroes in North & East Herts Hedges are brilliant homes for wildlife, particularly butterflies and moths. This winter we are asking members to volunteer to help plant new hedges. These will contain our specially-selected mix of 15 shrub and tree species which provide ideal larval foodplants and nectar sources. We are working in partnership with CPRE, the countryside charity, who will be arranging the sessions. This winter, hedge planting is planned in two separate locations. More planting dates will take place at the Woodhall Estate, near Watton-at-Stone on Wednesday 4th, Sunday 15th and Sunday 22nd February between 10:30 and 15:30. All arrangements as in the autumn. Please remember to bring your own spades etc if you have them, as well as sturdy shoes and gloves (spares will be provided). All necessary training will be provided. In the new year, dates will also be arranged at Rye End Farm, Kimpton, near Hitchin If you would like to take part, please contact James Lunt, the Hedgerow Heroes Officer for CPRE James@cpreherts.org.uk. There is more information in their recent branch newsletter and on the web at: CPRE Hertfordshire Hedgerow Heroes. |
| Date: | Tuesday 24 FEBRUARY 2026 |
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| Details: | Duke of Burgundy - working party On Tuesday 24th February we will be joining friends from the Upper Thames Branch working on a site by Pitstone hill close to the Herts border Dukes are slowly spreading out of their stronghold at Incombe Hole and getting close to re-establishing in Herts. The task starts at 10am and involves scrub and grass control on Wadborough Field, part of the National Trust Ashridge Estate Parking at Pitstone Hill (NT) car park LU7 9EN (Grid Ref SP95501493) What3words: https://w3w.co/cashier.gobbling.coaster Please register in advance and address any queries to Nick Bowles |
| Date: | Tuesday 24th MARCH * NEW * |
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| Talk Title: | Hungry caterpillars and bountiful crops - speaker Branch chair Malcolm Hull |
| Hall: | Lagley Meadow Hall (previously Berkhamsted Youth Centre) Douglas Gardens, Berkhamsted, HP4 3PE |
| Time time: | Start time: 7.30pm |
| What3words: | https://what3words.com/nest.passes.laminated | Information | A free talk on butterfly friendly food growing and how allotments and gardens can produce plenty of produce and provide a good place to live for butterflies and caterpillars. Although the event is free booking is required |
| Booking details: | Booking is essential https://www.berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk/council_events/ |
| Date: | Sunday 1st February 2026 * Date Confirmed * |
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| Event Title: | Brown Hairstreak egg hunt and training morning - with kind permission of the Woodland Trust |
| Location: | Merry Hill off Merry Hill Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire |
| Address and/or grid ref: | Nearest Postcode WD23 1DF - TQ136943 [Landranger Map 176] |
| Time/meeting place: | Meet at 11:00 (note new start time) at the upper footpath entrance on Merry Hill Road just past number 125 - we aim to finish between 13:00 and 13:30. |
| What3words: | https://w3w.co/apples.wallet.chair |
| Transport & directions: | The nearest mainline station is Bushey (London Northwestern Railway from London Euston (approx. 1 mile walk) alternatively it is possible to walk across the site from Carpenders Park (London Overground). Buses are reasonably frequent and stop at Merry Hill Road (eastern end). The 258 runs from Watford Junction to South Harrow station and the 142 runs from Watford Junction to Brent Cross - both call at Bushey Station. It is approx. 8 minute walk along Merry Hill Road to the meet point. We suggest you park in Victoria Road just off Merry Hill Road a short distance from the meeting point. |
| Information | If you plan to come by public transport and walk, please tell the event leader. |
| Contact details on the day | Peter Fewell mobile: 07814 282356 |
| Booking details: | Booking is essential https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brown-hairstreak-egg-search-at-merry-hill-reserve-bushey-woodland-trust-tickets-1980096189004 |
| Date: | Autumn 2026 |
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| Event: | The Branch Members' day is having 'a make over' and will be held in the autumn of 2026 |
Additional advice
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.
Bad weather
Leaders of these events will be at the meeting point unless the conditions are unsuitable and the event cancelled.
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, all survey events 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