An Introduction to Butterflies and Moths

This beginners course will introduce you to British butterflies and moths in a practical and enjoyable way. It will highlight their beauty and diversity and allow you to encounter a selection of local species. You will be introduced to Lepidoptera ecology highlighting their survival strategies, monitoring techniques and assistance from an expert on how to correctly identify different species. During the course, you will have the opportunity to set a moth trap allowing you to discover a diverse range of species, including some rare finds!

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Confidently identify a range of local species of butterflies and moths
• Explain the ecology of different species
• Understand how to observe and monitor Lepidoptera

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

Please note: If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals options. 

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

David Brown

David Brown is the Warwickshire County Recorder for Lepidoptera and the author of The Larger Moths of Warwickshire. He has led courses at Field Studies Council Centres over a number of years. A lecturer at Birmingham and Warwick Universities Extramural and Open Studies departments for the past 20 years, he is an active field entomologist.

Timetable

This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 07:30pm on Friday evening
The course will end at 4:00pm on Sunday

Day 1
Evening. Introductions and classroom session covering: species we hope to find/information on each.

Day 2
Morning. Moth trap inspection.
Afternoon. Field session, butterfly and day-flying moth walk.
Evening. Classroom session covering: Identification skills and techniques.

Day 3
Morning. Moth trap inspection.
Afternoon. Classroom session covering: Identification skills and techniques; results and conclusions of our findings. Recap and final questions
4 pm End of course.

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea and coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Accommodation and meal options

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch and arrange your own evening meal.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation for two nights with your own bedroom on the Friday and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the Friday night through to a packed lunch on the last day of the course). You will be able to check in from 4 pm on the Friday.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

What to bring:

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items

If you have them:

• Headtorch (preferably one with a red light setting)

Recommended Literature

• Field Studies Council Butterfly Guide
• Field Studies Council Moth Guide
• Chris Manley British Moths and Butterflies - A Photographic Guide
• Roy Leverton Enjoying Moths
• Bernard Skinner Colour Identification Guide to the Moths of Great Britain
• P Waring, M Townend Concise Field Guide to Moths of the British Isles
• Richard Lewington Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.