Welcome to the Sussex Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Butterfly Conservation is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of butterflies and moths. You can find out more about the national organisation here.

Butterflies

Sussex is one of the best counties in the UK to see a wide range of interesting butterfly species.

More information on species can be viewed here.

Sightings

Anyone can post photos of butterflies they have seen in Sussex. Recent sightings include:

20 Nov 2024: Despite an overnight frost, it was sunny enough in suburban North Lancing to bring out 6 Red Admiral and a Speckled Wood. It only reached about 5°C, but nobody cared! Even 2 Common Lizard were basking. Butterflies were seen between 11.30 (4°C) and 14.15.

18 Nov 2024: Many thanks to (L-R in image) Richard, JC, Debbie, Dave, Paddy (welcome to the team), Helen, John, Roy, Two-fires and Paul (photographer) for all their hard work at the conservation work party yesterday. Fuelled by Helen's delicious cake (thank you), we completed a varied list of tasks in warm sunshine, which really enhanced the wonderful autumn colours and at times we were joined by Red Admiral and Comma. We learned a few new skills too, including how to make ourselves appear more elegant in our group images (posture, stance, breathing etc.), although one member of the team continues to man-splay. Our next event is Sunday 24 November - all welcome.

17 Nov 2024: Suburban North Lancing was sunny and 10°C until shortly after midday. 9 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Common Darter. From the weather forecast, I guess that's it for double figure butterfly counts until that lovely mild spell we will have in February!? Hope springs eternal...

15 Nov 2024: Zero sun in my garden today. No butterflies, but a Humming-bird Hawk-moth put in a brief appearance.

15 Nov 2024: Having said it was too cold for butterflies in this neck of the woods, my wife and I came across a male Holly Blue (when we were doing our afternoon steps). It was in flight but as I couldn't see any dark on the forewing tips I was fairly sure it was a male. I believe that is my latest-ever date for a Holly Blue.

15 Nov 2024: Red Admiral flying high into the conifers on Ardingly Road in Cuckfield.

14 Nov 2024: Sunny and 12°C in North Lancing where I spied 13 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood and my first Small White for some time.

for more sightings.

News

11 Nov 2024: SBC Historical Sightings Reports

09 Nov 2024: Surrey and SW London Branch Zoom talk by Dr Dan Danahar

06 Nov 2024: Members' Day - Saturday 30th November - Final Details

06 Nov 2024: Adur transect group is recruiting

02 Nov 2024: Winter Work Parties 2024-25 start this weekend

19 Oct 2024: Volunteers, Assemble!

16 Oct 2024: Members' Day - Saturday 30th November

15 Oct 2024: Adur Valley Transect Group are recruiting

13 Oct 2024: SBC Annual Reports

16 Sep 2024: New website !!!

for more news.

Events

Our branch is organising many butterfly walks this summer across the county.

Information on all our walks and other events can be viewed here.

Sites

There are many important sites for butterflies in our county.

Information on some of them can be viewed here.

Moths

Ryszard Szczygieł

The Sussex Moth Group website can be viewed here.

Please remember, you can raise money for your favourite Butterfly Conservation Branch every time you shop online simply by clicking on the easyfundraising logo below and then signing up to support our cause.

easyfundraising.org.uk