Introduction to the Upper Thames Branch

Founded in 1982, the Upper Thames Branch of Butterfly Conservation aims to protect butterflies, moths and their habitats in the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The rolling hills of the Chilterns, the broad vales of Oxford and Aylesbury, the ancient Bernwood Forest complex, the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds and the heathlands of south-east Berkshire are all to be found in the three counties.

The three counties are home to three-quarters of the 58 British species of butterfly, and two-thirds of the 900 or so British macro-moths. Most notable amongst the butterflies are the Black Hairstreak, with half the UK colonies being found in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, and the Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper, with their most northerly UK populations in the Chilterns. Buckinghamshire is one of the strongholds of the Striped Lychnis moth, there is a population of the Heart Moth in Berkshire, and a colony of the Barberry Carpet exists in west Oxfordshire.

Thanks to the generosity of Beaconsfield Town Council the Branch has its own reserve at Holtspur Bottom in Buckinghamshire. Branch members have transformed the northern side of Holtspur valley from derelict agricultural land back to species-rich chalk grassland. Over the last few years Green Hairstreak, Small Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Chalkhill Blue and Striped Lychnis have all been recorded there.

The Branch regularly monitors the butterflies and moths within the three counties. Rare species receive special attention through our Species Champion programme. Your butterfly and moth records are important to allow us to continue our conservation work. You can also submit recent sightings and photos which will appear on the Sightings page.

During the winter months conservation work is carried at several sites, including Holtspur Bottom and Aston Upthorpe Downs. Other events (in person and virtual) are organised from time to time. During the spring and summer a programme of field meetings is organised.

The branch has almost 1900 members, and it is managed by the membership on a voluntary basis. If you join Butterfly Conservation you will receive the national magazine Butterfly, and automatic membership of the Upper Thames Branch (if you live in the area). You will also receive the Branch newsletter, which is produced three times a year. Please join us now and help save our butterflies, moths and their habitats