Guided Walks 2024

Our guided walks are aimed at everyone interested in butterflies - not just branch / Butterfly Conservation members!
You do NOT need to be an expert to come on one of our walks. They can be enjoyed by anyone with any level of knowledge (or none). First-time participants, children (with adult supervision), photographers - you are ALL welcome!

PLEASE BOOK if you are planning to attend one of our walks. This helps us to manage parking, limit our impact on the visited sites, and ensures the Leader does not turn up unnecessarily.

Walks are subject to amendment, particularly if the weather forecast is unfavourable. Please consult the BC events pages for any last-minute changes.

We have assembled an extensive programme of walks to allow you to see some of our beautiful butterflies. Walks are scattered across all three counties, so there should be something of interest close to you. The programme gives you the chance to enjoy each of the common butterfly species of our region, most of the rarer ones, and some day-flying moths.

Don't forget that butterfly activity depends a great deal on the weather, and they may emerge earlier or later than normal. We cannot guarantee to see a particular species (or, indeed, any!), but our trips visit some lovely countryside and there will always be something interesting to see.

Our guided walks take place at a variety of sites, some remote, whilst others may be steep, wet, or full of rabbit holes, ruts, brambles and gorse. Please make sure you are prepared, you are fit and able to cope with the walk, and that you know how to seek help in an emergency.

 
 
Please be aware of the following:
  • Group sizes vary between about 5 and 16, occasionally more.
  • Most walks last around 2 hours, depending on the weather, butterfly activity and the interests of those attending.
  • For your safety and comfort wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, use sunscreen, carry a drink and, maybe, a snack.
  • Heed all safety advice, watch out for hazards such as rabbit holes, roots and brambles; and check for ticks after the walk. (Tick advice)
  • It is advisable to carry a mobile phone in case of emergencies.
  • Please inform the leader if you wish to leave a walk early.
  • A butterfly field guide and a pair of close focusing binoculars may help.
  • You are welcome to bring a camera. Where practical we try to give everyone the opportunity to take photographs, as long as it does not disturb butterflies or other wildlife, or inconvenience other participants.
  • NO DOGS please.
None of our Guided Walks would happen without the dedication, knowledge and commitment of our team of volunteer Leaders. Many thanks to them all. We would also like to thank the owners and managers of the sites we visit for allowing us access; and for safeguarding these special places of wildlife interest.
We are always looking for new Leaders to join our team. If you have the enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to lead one of our guided walks, and would be happy to help out, please get in touch. Perhaps you may prefer to join one of our existing walks to "learn the ropes" for next year. It is a great way of getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise, whilst helping like-minded individuals learn more and enjoy our butterfly and moth species. If you have a current First Aid certificate and would be willing to undertake a small amount of online training, that would be a bonus.
Please contact the walks co-ordinator (Peter Philp) at if you are interested in becoming a Leader.
Guided walks in 2024 are listed below. You can also view a calendar
 
Date & Time Location Link Status
17-May-2025 10:00 Paices Wood, Berks More info scheduled
17-May-2025 10:30 Incombe Hole, Bucks More info scheduled
18-May-2025 10:30 Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon More info scheduled
20-May-2025 10:30 Yeosden Bank, Bucks More info scheduled
24-May-2025 10:30 Wytham Woods, Oxon More info scheduled
24-May-2025 10:30 Lardon Chase, Berks More info scheduled
25-May-2025 10:30 Seven Barrows, Berks More info scheduled
25-May-2025 10:30 Pitstone Quarry, Bucks More info scheduled
27-May-2025 10:30 Hartslock, Oxon More info scheduled
31-May-2025 08:00 Fineshade Wood, Northants More info scheduled
31-May-2025 11:00 Ashbury, Oxon More info scheduled
31-May-2025 11:00 Bradenham, Bucks More info scheduled
05-Jun-2025 10:30 Stonepit Field, Milton Keynes, Bucks More info scheduled
10-Jun-2025 10:30 Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon More info scheduled
14-Jun-2025 10:30 Bernwood Meadows, Bucks More info scheduled
17-Jun-2025 10:30 Wildmoor Heath, Berks More info scheduled
18-Jun-2025 10:00 Warburg Reserve, Oxon More info scheduled
18-Jun-2025 18:30 East Hagboourne, Oxon More info scheduled
21-Jun-2025 10:30 Holtspur Bottom, Bucks More info scheduled
21-Jun-2025 10:30 Pamber Forest/Silchester Common, Hants More info scheduled
22-Jun-2025 10:30 Buttlers Hangings, Bucks More info scheduled
25-Jun-2025 11:00 Charlbury, Oxon More info scheduled
29-Jun-2025 11:00 Hackpen Hill, Oxon More info scheduled
01-Jul-2025 10:30 Maidenhead Thicket, Berks More info scheduled
02-Jul-2025 11:00 Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks More info scheduled
02-Jul-2025 18:30 East Hagboourne, Oxon More info scheduled
15-Jul-2025 10:00 Bernwood Forest, Bucks More info scheduled
19-Jul-2025 10:00 Homefield Wood, Bucks More info scheduled
19-Jul-2025 11:30 Bernwood Forest, Bucks More info scheduled
22-Jul-2025 10:30 Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon More info scheduled
26-Jul-2025 10:30 Brasenose Woods, Oxon More info scheduled
27-Jul-2025 10:30 Foxholes, Oxon More info scheduled
02-Aug-2025 10:30 Grangelands, Bucks More info scheduled
05-Aug-2025 10:30 Finemere Wood, Bucks More info scheduled
07-Aug-2025 14:00 Greenham Common, Berks More info scheduled
09-Aug-2025 10:30 Wytham Woods, Oxon More info scheduled
09-Aug-2025 10:30 Lardon Chase, Berks More info scheduled
10-Aug-2025 10:30 Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon More info scheduled
16-Aug-2025 10:30 Rushbed Wood, Bucks More info scheduled
16-Aug-2025 10:30 Fifty Acre Piece, Berks More info scheduled
19-Aug-2025 10:30 Watlington Hill, Oxon More info scheduled
26-Aug-2025 10:30 Otmoor, Oxon More info scheduled