General Surveyor (Peatland Lepidoptera - Northern England)

Our Surveyors help us to understand species in their local area and, by extension, across the UK.

We are looking for volunteers to help monitor threatened butterflies and moths on peatland sites across Northern England, for the Making Peatlands Work for Lepidoptera project.

A priority species is Large Heath, where updated surveys are required in Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire, during June and July.

There will also be opportunity to carry out surveys for the following peatland species:

• Green Hairstreak (April – June)

• Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (May – July)

• Emperor Moth (April – May)

• Manchester Treble-bar moth (July – August)

• Wood Tiger moth (May – July)

Surveys will involve timed counts or transect walks during the species flight period, while pheromone lure surveys will be carried out for Emperor Moth.

Full training and support will be provided for all six species. We will discuss your species of interest and identify survey opportunities at peatland sites local to you. You can let us know any specific interests when you apply for the role.

At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone, forever. We need people to record various species and collect data. This data is used to inform decisions which help to conserve butterflies and moths, both locally and nationally. You will be volunteering with a wide range of people helping us to monitor species in your local environment.

This volunteer opportunity is part of Making Peatlands Work for Lepidoptera, a two-and-a-half year project investigating how peatland restoration supports threatened Lepidoptera such as Large Heath. Your data will help gather evidence to inform best practice and improve the way that habitat restoration supports threatened butterfly and moth species.

Please note that peatland habitat can be difficult terrain with areas of bog and pools. Health and safety guidance will be given as part of the induction process.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please get in touch with Kay Andrews (kandrews@butterfly-conservation.org) and Charlotte Rankin (crankin@butterfly-conservation.org).